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Have your say: When are you planning a rule of six get-together outside?

Cheerful university student taking selfie with friends sitting on grass
When will you be meeting up with people outside as England's lockdown is eased? (Getty)

Groups of up to six people or two households can now meet up outside, in a major easing of England’s coronavirus lockdown.

People can meet up again in parks and gardens from Monday as two separate households or under the rule of six, with social distancing.

Sports facilities including basketball courts, tennis courts and golf courses can also reopen, while formally organised sports activity can recommence.

The government has unveiled a new slogan to stress the importance of ventilation in reducing the spread of COVID-19: “Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air.”

Boris Johnson said: “Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules – remember 'hands, face, space', and come forward for a vaccine when called."

Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs are now free to reopen.

Organised team sports can also resume outdoors, meaning grassroots competitions can take place ahead of the Easter break without the need for social distancing.

Restrictions were eased as official figures showed more than 30 million people in the UK have received a first vaccine dose, accounting for about 57% of all adults.

Johnson said he hopes the easing will “kick-start a Great British summer of sport”.

England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said: “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.”

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

Read more: England told to ‘hold its nerve’ as lockdown eases

Watch: England's lockdown eased from Monday