BRITS can go to the beach to enjoy the mini-heatwave this week as lockdown restrictions ease.
The Government has confirmed there is no cap on the distance you can travel – so day trips to the seaside are on as temperatures rise to 24C.
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A Government spokesperson told the Evening Standard there are no legal limits on travel.
So as the UK enjoys an early summer, people are free to make day trips to the coast and the countryside.
You can officially travel as far as you like to walk, cycle or relax on the beach – providing you do not stay overnight away from home and maintain social distancing.
And this applies whether you are travelling alone, or going to meet friends or family.
But confusingly the Government has also said people should “exercise good judgment” and “minimise travel as far as possible”.
They added: “Whilst the ‘stay at home’ rule has ended, many restrictions remain in place.
“We ask everyone to act responsibly and cautiously and minimise travel where possible as these restrictions ease.”
Under the new rules, which come into force today, friends and families can reunite and team sports resume in a major easing of England’s coronavirus lockdown to allow far greater freedom outdoors.
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 shuttered.
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 comes as:
But Brits are reminded to stick to the rules and remain outside.
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.”
In Wales, the “stay local” order ended on Saturday and people were allowed to stay in self-contained holiday accommodation.
The stay home order in Scotland is to end on Friday, while in Northern Ireland up to six people, or two households, will be able to meet outdoors from Thursday.
While greater outdoor freedoms are now permitted, the Government is still advising people to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys they take.
The next step in the roadmap to easing England’s lockdown is April 12, which is earmarked for non-essential shops to reopen and for outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants.
