Boris Johnson urges public to 'remain cautious' as England lockdown eases

28 March 2021, 22:32 | Updated: 29 March 2021, 05:54

Boris Johnson wished "the very best of luck" to people as organised sport returns in England
Boris Johnson wished "the very best of luck" to people as organised sport returns in England. Picture: PA

By Patrick Grafton-Green

The Prime Minister has urged people to "remain cautious" as England’s lockdown eases and the country's 'stay at home' order is lifted.

Boris Johnson said he hoped for a “Great British summer of sport” as outdoor sports venues open and team sports resume from today.

Separately, in a clip posted on Twitter, he wished "the very best of luck" to those heading back to pitches, courts and fields.

READ MORE: Culture Sec warns mass events could be off 'for many years' if they don't return in June

READ MORE: June 21 is 'not great day of liberation PM making it out to be', expert tells LBC

People can now use sports facilities including golf courses, tennis and basketball courts and outdoor swimming areas, while organised team sports has also returned.

Groups of six people or two households can meet outdoors, including in private gardens.

However, Mr Johnson warned, with a third wave of coronavirus under way in Europe, that people “must remain cautious”.

It comes as the Metropolitan Police warned against "complacency" and urged the public to "minimise" contact with others as rules are eased.

The PM, who will hold a coronavirus press conference on Monday, said: “I know how much people have missed the camaraderie and competition of organised sport, and how difficult it has been to restrict physical activities – especially for children.  

“So as teams return to outdoor pitches, courts, parks and fields, I hope today will kick-start a Great British summer of sport – with people of all ages reunited with teammates, and able to resume the activities they love.  

“I know many will welcome the increased social contact, with groups of six or two households now also able to meet outdoors.  

“But we must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout. Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called.”

Will this be the last lockdown? Epidemiologist explains

The England lockdown changes from Monday are:

  • Stay at home rule ends - People will be permitted to leave their houses without the need for an exemption, although people should still minimise travel and work from home where they can
  • Outdoor gatherings permitted - Groups of either six people or two households are permitted to meet outside, including in private gardens
  • Outdoor parent and child groups permitted - Groups of up to 15 parents will be able to meet outside, with children under five years old not counting towards the limit.
  • Outdoor sport facilities reopen - Outdoor sports facilities, including golf, tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools can reopen
  • Outdoor team sports allowed - Amateur sports can restart, as formally organised outdoor sports are permitted
  • Weddings can take place - Ceremonies can restart, but only with four guests in attendance
  • Outdoor protests

It is the second major easing of England's lockdown imposed in early January, with schools having been reopened to all pupils on March 8.

The next step in the roadmap to easing the lockdown is April 12, which is earmarked for non-essential shops to reopen and for outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants.

It comes as the number of people to have received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine in the UK passed 30 million, accounting for about 57% of all adults.

New figures published by the Government show 30,151,287 people have had a first dose, while 3,527,481 have now had two doses.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted that he was “absolutely thrilled”, adding: “When you get the call - get the jab.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Rick Buckler

Rick Buckler, drummer of The Jam, dies aged 69 - former bandmate Paul Weller confirms

Kitchen knives on a magnetic bar holder on the wall

Round-edged blades safer alternatives than sharp-pointed kitchen knives, research shows - in bid to tackle knife crime

A large sinkhole has forced the closure of the high street in the Surrey village of Godstone

Homes evacuated and major incident declared after 65ft sinkhole appears in Surrey village

Lydia Mugambe

United Nations judge forced woman to work as slave after tricking her to come to UK, court hears

Craig and Lindsay Foreman

Did motorbike couple's 'happiness' survey prompt arrest on spying charges in Iran?

Abdirahman Ibrahim has been convicted of murder after driving into the back of Liam Jones

Killer driver mows down e-bike rider to 'teach him lesson' for doing wheelies

The Vatican says Pope Francis is being treated for 'bilateral pneumonia'

New scans show Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs but Vatican says he remains ‘in good spirits’

Meghan

Meghan Markle could face 'legal action' from Spanish town as her new luxury brand logo faces resemblance to coat of arms

The father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif is reportedly being protected by a 'Muslim gang'

Sara Sharif's father protected by 'Muslim gang' in jail after being attacked with jagged tuna lid

Zhenhao Zou is accused of raping three women in London and 7 in China, whilst they were unconscious

PhD student 'discussed rape role-play' with alleged victim, trial hears

Exclusive
Senior Tories including Suella Braverman and Michael Gove have criticised the judge's comments

Senior Tories blast 'out of touch' judge for 'ludicrous attack' on Starmer’s migrant remarks

Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, died in an airstrike, Hamas said

Bodies of youngest Israeli hostage Kfir Bibas and his brother and mother to be handed over as family ‘in turmoil’

Lisa Smith, 43, was with a female friend when she was killed outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt, Kent

Man suspected of fatally shooting wife outside pub on Valentine's Day rang friend and said 'she's dead'

Carry On legend Julian Holloway dies aged 80

Carry On legend Julian Holloway dies aged 80 after 'brief illness' as tributes pour in

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned 'any appearance by armed forces under some other flag' in Ukraine would be 'completely unacceptable', in a dig at a peace plan floated by Keir Starmer.

Keir Starmer’s Ukraine peacekeeping plan ‘completely unacceptable’, Russia tells US in Saudi Arabia talks

Rita Lambourne, 58, was “fatally wounded” at her home in Bayencourt South, Bexhill

Man charged with axe murder of woman in own home