Every change that will happen to the coronavirus restrictions on Monday, March 29 – full list

Since the country was plunged back into lockdown at Christmas, people’s ability to meet others has been strictly controlled in order to slow the spread of Covid-19

However, this Monday, March 29, some of the freedoms that we have been denied us over the last three months will return, beginning with meeting outside and outdoor sports.

The main changes include the freedom to meet more people outside in groups of more than one household or support bubble, and a lift on the ban of outdoor childcare activities and team sports.

The full changes that will take place from March 29 are as follows.

From Monday, people will be able to meet outdoors either in a group of six from any number of households, or in a group of any size from up to two households with each household including existing support bubbles, if eligible.

People will also be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports with any number of people and outdoor sports venues and facilities will be able to reopen.

Childcare and supervised activities will be allowed outdoors for all children once more and formally organised parent and child groups will be able to take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under 5 will not be not counted in this number.

Monday’s changes mark the next stage of the Government’s roadmap for the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

The next big change will come on April 12 when non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will be able to reopen.

After that, step 3 on May 17 will see most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted - although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.

And on 21 June, the government have said they hope to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.

All dates are subject to change however and represent the earliest date each set of restrictions can be lifted.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.