Here's how coronavirus lockdown is changing today as restrictions are eased

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a further easing of restrictions on Thursday including the rules about meeting with family and friends.

As of today, family and friends in England will be allowed to meet up in parks and private gardens in groups of up to six people from different households, providing social distancing is maintained.

Mr Johnson said: ‘We will now allow people to meet in gardens, and other private outdoor spaces.

‘These changes mean that friends and family can start to see their loved ones: perhaps seeing both parents at once, or both grandparents at once.

‘I know that for many people this will be a long-awaited and joyful moment.’

The rules mean people will be permitted to have a barbecue or picnic in someone’s garden, but people from different households are still not allowed to meet indoors.

However, it is acceptable to walk through a house to gain access to a garden, but a visit cannot be extended to stay overnight.

If you require use of the toilet during a visit, people are advised to wipe down and clean surfaces afterwards, to lower the risk of virus transmission.

People who are shielding and have been asked to stay at home should continue to do so, although Professor Chris Whitty said that the infection level may be sufficiently reduced to allow their freedom ‘relatively soon’.

The Prime Minister confirmed that all five key tests to allow lockdown to move to phase two had been met, meaning schools can begin reopening from today.

The relaxing of restrictions also means the economy can start to reopen.

From today, outdoor markets and car showrooms will be allowed to start trading again in England, followed by non-essential shops two weeks later on June 15.

Non-essential retailers include shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, as well as tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets.