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BRITAIN took a step closer to freedom today as it loosened the lock on months of restrictions - with the Rule of Six now back in England.

The monumental move comes alongside a host of new changes, with exemptions including support bubbles and sports. Here's what you need to know.

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Friends and families can meet in groups of up to six from March 29
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Friends and families can meet in groups of up to six from March 29Credit: LNP

Outdoor sports

You can play outdoor team sports and activities such as tennis and golf from today, meaning groups of more than six can meet for this reason.

Tennis and basketball courts are allowed to reopen, along with open-air swimming pools.

Brits can also start taking part in formally organised outdoor sporting events like amateur football leagues.

The FA writes on its website: "On Monday 29 March, as part of the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown, outdoor sports facilities can open, and organised outdoor football can take place."

Open air swimming pools can reopen as outdoor sport resumes
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Open air swimming pools can reopen as outdoor sport resumesCredit: AFP

Weddings

Weddings were banned under the previous restrictions unless there were "exceptional circumstances" involved.

This caveat, however, has now been lifted, with couples allowed to meet in front of up to six guests.

It is hoped an unlimited number of guests will be allowed from June 21 as all restrictions are scrapped, but the PM stressed this will be reviewed nearer the time.

Weddings can now host up to six guests
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Weddings can now host up to six guests

Funerals

Up to 30 people are allowed to attend a funeral - either inside or outside - under the current rules.

Only six people can attend the wake, although this must not take place in a private home.

The number of people who can actually attend a funeral may also be restricted by Covid measures such as social distancing.

Households & bubbles

Up to two households are allowed to meet outside - even if there are more than six people between them.

This means two families of four could get together and meet as a group of eight if they only share two homes.

If you are eligible to form a support bubble, you and your support bubble count as one household towards the limit when meeting outdoors.

This means you and your support bubble could meet with another household, even if the group is more than six people.

Outdoor parent and child groups can resume from today in groups of up to 15
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Outdoor parent and child groups can resume from today in groups of up to 15Credit: PA

Parent and children groups

Outdoor parent and child groups can resume from today.

A maximum of 15 people, not counting those aged under five, will be permitted to meet for outdoor activities.

For example, people can socialise in parent and child walking groups.

Schools and offices

Schools and nurseries are allowed to accommodate more than six people.

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Gatherings of more than six people are also allowed at workplaces.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said this exemption was due to the need to "get through" the pandemic with minimal impact.

Brits head out for meet-ups and sport as Covid lockdown Rule of Six returns