Friends and families will be reunited and team sports will resume in a major easing of England’s coronavirus lockdown to allow far greater freedom outdoors.

From today, groups of up to six, or two households, can socialise in parks and gardens once more, while outdoor sports facilities can reopen

Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs are now free to reopen after months of being closed.

Organised team sports can also resume outdoors, meaning grassroots competitions can take place ahead of the Easter break without the need for social distancing.

It is the second major easing of England’s lockdown imposed in early January, with schools having been reopened to all pupils on March 8.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson stressed that “we must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout”, while warm weather was expected to accompany the relaxation.

“Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called,” the Prime Minister added.

He is expected to urge the public to take personal responsibility by sticking to the restrictions as he holds a Downing Street press conference.

Restrictions were eased as official figures showed more than 30 million people in the UK have received a first vaccine dose, accounting for about 57% of all adults.

Mr Johnson said he hopes the easing will “kick-start a Great British summer of sport” as sports stars teamed up with the Government to encourage a return to physical activity.

A new slogan was also unveiled to stress the importance of ventilation in reducing the spread of the virus: “Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air.”

A public information campaign warns against the dangers of gathering indoors, with a psychologist giving advice on how to deal with friends and family who suggest breaking the rules, saying people may need to be “firm” and give “gentle reminders” about distancing.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the progress of the vaccine roll-out “must be protected”, adding “when you meet others do so outdoors and keep a safe distance”.

Chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty added: “The evidence is very clear that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors. It is important to remember this as we move into the next phase.”

Mr Johnson has warned that a spike in cases could be seen as parts of Europe are struck by a third wave of infections but hopes the vaccine roll-out will suppress hospitalisations and deaths.

The next step in the roadmap to easing restrictions is April 12. Non-essential shops should be able to reopen as well as outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants.

What you can do from today

  • Meet outdoors either in a group of six, or in a group from up to two households.
  • Take part in formally organised outdoor sports with any number of people
  • Outdoor sports venues and facilities will be able to reopen, including football and cricket pitches, basketball and tennis courts, golf courses and outdoor swimming pools.
  • Childcare and supervised activities will be allowed outdoors for all children
  • 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
  • The “Stay at Home” will end, however people should continue to work from home if they can and should minimise the number of journeys they make where possible

From April 1, if you have been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable you will no longer be advised to shield.