You CAN go to the beach to enjoy mini-heatwave this week as ‘stay local’ order lifted, Government confirms
BRITS can go to the beach to enjoy the mini-heatwave this week as lockdown restrictions ease.
The Government has confirmed there is no cap on the distance you can travel as the 'stay local' order is lifted.
🦠 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates...
It was expected that the strict 'stay home' lockdown message would be replaced by an order not to travel outside your local area - though there was not set to be a strict limit on the number of miles that people are allowed to go.
However, this has been quietly dropped and people will face no limits on how far they can go from today, it was confirmed earlier.
So as the UK enjoys an early summer with temperatures rising to 24C, day trips to the seaside are on.
You can officially travel as far as you like to walk, cycle or relax on the beach - providing you do not stay overnight away from home and you maintain social distancing.
This applies whether you are travelling alone, or going to meet friends or family.
But the Government has stressed people should "exercise good judgment".
And on minimising travel, minister Nigel Huddleston said today there were no restrictions on distance but insisted "this is not a free for all".
He told Good Morning Britain: "There’s no restriction in terms of how far you travel - it would be unfair if we put a cap.
"We do rely on the common sense of the British public in this. You can go and visit a loved one but we are not saying, day after day doing that and stopping off at petrol stations and shops."
It comes as:
- Stay-at-home rule axed to allow groups of six, sports and weddings
- Everything you can and can’t do from today as Covid restrictions ease
- When will pubs and restaurants reopen in the UK?
- 30 MILLION Brits have now had Covid vaccine
- Cops WON’T break up big groups in gardens as Rule of Six returns TODAY
Under the new rules, which come into force today, friends and families can reunite and team sports resume in a major easing of England's coronavirus lockdown to allow far greater freedom outdoors.
Groups of up to six, or two households, can socialise in parks and gardens once more, while outdoor sports facilities can reopen.
Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs are now free to reopen after months of being shuttered.
Organised team sports can also resume outdoors, meaning grassroots competitions can take place ahead of the Easter break without the need for social distancing.
But Brits are reminded to stick to the rules and remain outside.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the progress of the vaccine roll-out "must be protected", adding "when you meet others do so outdoors and keep a safe distance".
Chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty added: "The evidence is very clear that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors. It is important to remember this as we move into the next phase."
Most read in News
In Wales, the 'stay local' order ended on Saturday and people were allowed to stay in self-contained holiday accommodation.
The stay home order in Scotland is to end on Friday, while in Northern Ireland up to six people, or two households, will be able to meet outdoors from Thursday.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
While greater outdoor freedoms are now permitted, the Government is still advising people to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys they take.
The next step in the roadmap to easing England's lockdown is April 12, which is earmarked for non-essential shops to reopen and for outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants.
