Lockdown update: All you need to know about new measures

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Lockdown measures are starting to be eased after more than two months of restrictions. But how is everyday life changing?

Can I meet friends and relatives?

In England, you can now meet outside in groups of up to six people from different households - for example in parks or private gardens.

In Scotland, eight people from two different households can now meet up outdoors if they maintain social distancing. Groups cannot be bigger than eight, and people are "strongly recommended" not to meet more than one other household per day.

In Wales, any number of people from two different households can now meet outdoors.

Groups of up to six people who are not in the same household can meet while socially-distancing outdoors in Northern Ireland, although up to 10 people can now attend outdoor weddings and civil partnerships.

In all four nations, permitted numbers of people includes children, and social distancing - remaining 2m (6ft) apart from others - should be followed.

Can I exercise more?

The overall advice remains "stay at home" as much as possible. But some non-contact outdoor sport is allowed - although rules vary across the UK.

This means, for example, that having a kickabout with a football in the park is now allowed in both countries, as long as people stay 2m (6ft) apart and practise good hand hygiene.

Small groups of sports teams can also resume fitness sessions.

Athletics, golf, horse riding and tennis are all allowed in England. Tennis, can also be played in Scotland and Northern Ireland - but not yet in Wales. However, golf can be enjoyed everywhere.

Households can also drive any distance in England to destinations such as parks and beaches. But they should still not travel to Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Why are rules different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?

Decisions on easing lockdown in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of each national government.

Wales and Scotland do not want households to travel more than five miles if possible, but 11 Conservative MPs have questioned the Wales decision.

The Northern Ireland Executive has confirmed that hotels and tourist accommodation can reopen on 20 July.

If I travel abroad will I have to quarantine when I come back?

Most people entering the UK - including British citizens - now have to self-isolate for 14 days.

The Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential journeys, and all passengers are advised to remain 2m (6ft) apart wherever possible. They should also consider wearing gloves and a face covering - which some UK airports and airlines have made compulsory.

Should I go back to work (and how will I get there)?

People who can work from home in England should continue to do so "for the foreseeable future".

People who must travel to their workplace are encouraged to walk, cycle or drive if possible, to prevent overcrowding on public transport, on which they are likely to face social-distance queuing.

Wearing a face covering on public transport will be mandatory in England from 15 June.

Read the government advice in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Workplaces should be made safe for staff, with more cleaning, staggered working shifts and, for office workers, no hot-desking.

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What if I go into other people's homes to work?

If you're a cleaner or plumber, and need to enter someone else's home for your job, you are allowed to return to work.

No work should be carried out in the home of someone shielding or isolating because of Covid-19 symptoms, unless it's a household emergency.

In homes where someone is clinically vulnerable - for example, where a person is aged over 70 - face-to-face contact should be avoided, and strict hygiene rules followed.

What are shielded people being told to do?

People in England and Wales who have been asked to stay home and shield - because they have health conditions that make them particularly vulnerable - can now spend some time outdoors again.

Those with families can go out once a day with members of their own household. People living alone can meet someone from another household while maintaining social distancing.

People who are shielding in Northern Ireland can now go outdoors.

In Scotland, "adjustments" are anticipated in the coming weeks to the shielding guidelines.

Can I move home?

House moves and viewings have resumed again in England.

Potential buyers and renters are able to visit show homes and view houses on the market to let or buy.

Anyone who has already bought a new home can visit it to prepare for moving in.

What about childminders, nannies and nurseries?

Childminders and nannies in England can return to work - and the government has issued fresh guidance.

In Scotland, childminders are also now able to welcome children back into their homes.

Read the guidance for childcare providers from the Welsh government here - and from the Northern Ireland Executive here.

When will schools and universities return?

Some primary schools in England have reopened for some children - with Wales announcing a return for all ages of pupils at the end of June.

Exact rules vary, but head teachers and local councils have been working out how best to minimise risks for pupils, staff and parents. Strict hygiene and social distancing is being enforced - including smaller class sizes, staggered breaks and frequent hand washing.

However, the government's plan for all primary school years in England to go back to class for the final four weeks of the summer term is now being dropped. Instead, schools will be given "flexibility" over whether or not to admit more pupils.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says Scottish schools will reopen at the start of the autumn term on 11 August, using a blended model, with some continued home-learning.

Some Northern Irish pupils preparing for exams and those about to move to post-primary schools will go back in late August, with a phased return for the rest in September.

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From 15 June in England, the government says secondary schools and further education colleges will be able to have face-to-face contact with Year 10 and 12 pupils who have key exams next year, in addition to their "continued remote, home learning".

However, at the Downing Street briefing on Monday 8 June, Health Secretary Matt Hancock conceded that England's secondary schools may not fully reopen until September "at the earliest".

Meanwhile, there is uncertainty over whether students will be able to go to university in person in September or whether they will be taught partially or completely online.

When can I go High Street shopping again?

All non-essential retailers - from department stores to small independent shops - can reopen in England from 15 June, if they put in place social distancing measures.

And outdoor markets and car showrooms can now reopen if they are "Covid-secure".

Garden centres are now back open across the UK.

DIY chains - some of which stayed open throughout the lockdown - have also reopened many of their shops.

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Image caption Pubs are not expected to open before July

What about hairdressers, salons, pubs and cafes?

Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, hotels and cinemas will open from 4 July at the earliest in England, as long as they can meet social distancing measures.

In England, places of worship can reopen for private prayer from 15 June, the government is set to announce - although not for services or events.

However, indoor public spaces such as beauty salons, where social distancing may be difficult, could reopen ''significantly later", depending on when the rate of infection goes down.

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