Lockdown restrictions in England have been eased as of today.

But what are the new rules?

Here we set out what restrictions are being lifted and when other changes are expected in the coming weeks and months.

What is changing from March 29

From Monday, when the Easter holidays begin, larger groups of up to six people, from any number of households, or a group of any size from up to two households, are allowed to gather in parks and gardens in England, according to Government guidelines.

The Government’s “stay at home” order will end, with messaging moving to “stay local”, but people will be asked to continue to work from home where possible, and overseas travel will remain banned.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts are also set to reopen, with organised adult and children’s sport – including grassroots football – able to return.

When will more restrictions be eased ?

From April 12 at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will be allowed to reopen.

Most outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks can reopen, although wider social distancing rules will still apply to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools will also be opened but for use by people on their own or in household groups.

Funerals can continue with up to 30 people, and the numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise from six to 15.

What happens next in England?

From no earlier than May 17 most social contact rules outside will be lifted although gatherings of more than 30 will remain illegal.

Indoors, the rule of six or two households will apply – although the Government has said it will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.

Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen.

Limited crowds will also be allowed at sporting events.

All remaining restrictions on social contact could be lifted from June 21, allowing for larger events to go ahead and nightclubs to reopen.

How is the Government deciding when to lift restrictions?

There will a minimum of five weeks between each step of easing restrictions in England to allow for coronavirus-related data to be assessed against four tests:

The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.

Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing the number admitted to hospital and deaths in those vaccinated.

Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions, which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

The assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of concern.