Small reunions for family and friends - lockdown update

Groups of up to six people will be able to meet outside in England from Monday, 1 June
Mother and daughter smiling at the camera at Healthwatch event

However, people from different households must continue to stay 2m (3 steps) apart.

Spending time inside the homes of friends and families is still out of bounds, although people can go inside in order to access the garden or use the toilet.

And we should avoid seeing people from too many households in quick succession - to avoid the risk of quick transmission from lots of different families and continue to control the virus.

Minimising contact with others is still the best way to prevent transmission.

People are urged to

  • Act responsibly
  • Strictly observe social distancing rules
  • Stay 2m apart from those you don’t live with
  • Only meet outdoors in gardens and private outside spaces
  • Not to meet with too many households too soon

A change for those shielding

From Monday, 1 June, people who are shielding are able to go out once a day for exercise but that they must maintain social distancing.

Shielders remain vulnerable and should continue to take precautions but can now leave their home if they wish, as long as they are able to maintain strict social distancing.

If you choose to spend time outdoors, this can be with members of your own household. If you live alone, you can spend time outdoors with one person from another household. Ideally, this should be the same person each time.

If you do go out, you should take extra care to minimise contact with others by keeping 2 metres apart. This guidance will be kept under regular review. 

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