Boris Johnson announces lockdown easing with groups of six allowed to meet from Monday

Boris Johnson told the daily Downing Street press conference that all five of the Government's tests for easing the lockdown can be met, so adjustments can begin being made in England on Monday.

He said: ‘I know the toll has taken on family and friends who have been unable to see each other so from Monday we will allow up to six people to meet outside, provided those from different households continue strictly to observe social distancing rules by staying two metres apart.

‘At the moment as you know people can meet in parks but not in private gardens. This was a cautious first step but we know there is no difference in the health risk so we will now allow people to meet in gardens and other private outdoor spaces.

‘I know for many people this will be a long awaited and joyful moment. I must stress that to control the virus everyone must act responsibly and stricly observe social distancing rules and stay two metres apart from those you do not live with.’

The PM also advised people from seeing ‘people from too many households in quick succession' to avoid quick transmission between homes. He also reiterated that people should also not be in the houses of friends and family unless accessing the garden.

He said guidance on the changes will be published, adding: ‘Inevitably there may be some anomalies, or apparent inconsistencies, in these rules - and clearly what we're proposing is still just a fraction of the social interaction each of us would normally enjoy.

‘I know many of you will find this frustrating and I am sorry about that. But I'm afraid it is unavoidable, given the nature of the invisible enemy we are fighting.’

The PM has already announced that Year R, 1 and 6 pupils will return to school on Monday and outdoor markets and car showrooms can also open.

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