The Government’s timetable for the return of sports – and spectators

And the government has also outlined a timetable - albeit a later one - for fans returning to stadiums.

Here is which sporting activities will be allowed - and when:

From Monday, March 8

* Under-18 sport can take place at school if it is part of educational provision.

* People can leave home for recreation as well as exercise outdoors - with their own household, support or childcare bubble, or with one person from another household. Social distancing and other safe behaviours should be followed.

From Monday, March 29

* Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis, golf courses and basketball courts and outdoor swimming pools can reopen. Formally organised outdoor sports - for adults and under 18s - can also restart and will not be subject to the gatherings limits. That includes adult and junior football and rugby and many other team sports.

The golfing community were expecting an earlier return.

A statement from England Golf read: ‘England Golf is extremely disappointed that the scientific evidence presented to Government detailing how the sport can be played in a Covid-secure manner has not resulted in a return to play date earlier than 29 March.

‘We will now examine the details of the Government’s roadmap before making further comment and working with our community of clubs, counties and golfers to prepare for the game’s safe return.’

No earlier than Monday, April 12

* Indoor leisure (including gyms and swimming pools) open for use individually or within household groups.

Bosses of the UK’s biggest gym chains warned last week that without the announcement of planned reopening, the nation’s physical and mental health could deteriorate.

Chief executive of industry group ukactive Huw Edwards said: ‘We welcome the news that gyms, pools and leisure centres feature in the earliest stage possible for reopening indoor venues, providing vital clarity for thousands of our members and a long-awaited boost for millions of their customers.

‘The decision to reopen fitness and leisure facilities in stage two underlines the role they play in our nation’s social fabric and in supporting the NHS, providing an essential service for the mental and physical health of millions.

“The Government also clearly recognises the sector’s excellent safety record, demonstrated by our regular Covid-19 data reporting, and we will continue to provide these updates throughout the next chapter in the management of the pandemic.

“Furthermore, we will continue to work with the Government and its health agencies to address any outstanding questions they have regarding indoor classes, which are due to reopen in stage three.”

* Children will be able to attend any indoor children's activity, including sport, regardless of circumstance. Parent and child groups of up to 15 people (not counting children aged under five years old) can restart indoors.

No earlier than Monday, May 17

* Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes are allowed.

* Sports events indoors will be allowed up to 1,000 people watching, or 50 per cent of a venue's capacity, whichever is lower, while outdoor events will have a capacity of either 50 per cent or 4,000 people, whichever is lower.

That means Hampshire’s opening six County Championship fixtures will be played behind closed doors, but spectators will be back for the home game with Leicestershire at The Ageas Bowl on May 20.

An ECB statement said: ‘We are very pleased to see the return of spectators to grounds from mid-May. Our leading venues strongly believe they have the technology and know-how to return to capacity crowds and we look forward to working in close partnership with the Government to identify ways in which this can be achieved in a safe and controlled manner this season.’

There will be a special provision for large, outdoor, seated venues where crowds can be safely distributed, allowing up to 10,000 people or 25 per cent of total seated capacity, whichever is lower.

That announcement leaves open the possibility of full stadia for the final stages of the Euros at Wembley and for Wimbledon.

The Football Association welcomed the news, saying in a brief statement: ‘The FA is absolutely delighted that fans will be allowed back soon.

‘The game is simply not the same without them and we look forward to the return of full stadia as soon as it is safe and possible.’