Barbecues in the Garden: How Boris Johnson is Relaxing U.K. Lockdown

(Bloomberg) -- The U.K. has started to gradually ease the nation’s lockdown restrictions, including allowing groups of six from different households to meet outdoors in parks and to have barbecues in gardens (provided they keep social distancing and wash their hands).

Here are the latest changes.

Gatherings

From June 1, up to six people will be allowed to meet outdoors, as long as those from different households respect social distancing rules. People will also be allowed to meet in gardens and other private outdoor spaces, but they will not be allowed to gather in each other’s homes.

“These changes mean friends and family can start to meet their loved ones, perhaps seeing both parents at once, or both grandparents at once,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. “I know that for many this will be a long-awaited and joyful moment.”

Schools

From Monday, children in nurseries, other early years settings, reception, year 1 and year 6 will return. On June 15, secondary schools will begin to provide some face-to-face contact time for students in year 10 and year 12.

Retail

Outdoor retail and car showrooms will open from Monday. On June 15, the government plans to allow other non-essential retailers to open, provided their shops have been made safe and the spread of the virus remains under control.

“We know that if shops enforce social distancing, as required by our Covid secure guidelines, then the virus is less likely to spread,” Johnson said.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.