Groups of up to six people - but from no more than two households - can meet up and congregate outdoors from today after a three-month lockdown is eased by Boris Johnson’s government.
The move coincides with an improvement in the weather this week and there are fears it could lead to parks and other open spaces becoming congested, making it hard to abide by social distancing guidelines.
Now, all I need to do is find myself 5 friends...#RuleOfSix
— Woody (@Woody_Lifts) March 29, 2021
The #RuleOfSix is trending on Twitter, with people in England taking a light-hearted view of the changes.
Today we can meet in the park #RuleOfSix and make those tough decisions, like 🤔 who are we going to take to the pub in two weeks time? 🍻 #Pub pic.twitter.com/YJ5mYf9rc3
— Rose of Lancaster (@RoseofLancs) March 29, 2021
Thousands of people filled beaches and beauty spots on Saturday after the authorities in Cardiff lifted restrictions which been in place since December.
In England non-essential businesses remain closed and pubs, restaurants, gyms, cinemas, theatres, museums and sports stadiums will remain closed until 12 April and only then will they be allowed to open outdoors seating.
Happy #RuleOfSix Day everyone! pic.twitter.com/HzxDYK5CDY
— Rebecca Simkiss (@Beckysimkiss) March 29, 2021
There have been more than 126,000 COVID-19 deaths in Britain and although deaths have dropped sharply since Christmas and the UK recorded only 3,872 new cases on Sunday - the lowest daily figure in six months - there is a fear of another wave this spring.
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."
Which lady are you in my #RuleOfSix picnic party ☺️🧺🤵♂️🍷🏡 pic.twitter.com/vXzlFbwMjq
— Alicia Healey (@theladysmaid) March 29, 2021
More than 30 million people in Britain have received a first vaccine dose.
I’m not fussed we can now meet up with up to 6 people outside.
— Sgt Grumpy Dave (@BustingCrimes) March 29, 2021
I don’t have 5 other people I like enough to make that much effort. #RuleOfSix
From today you can gather with up to 6 people outdoors, including private gardens.#RuleOfSix pic.twitter.com/91ePg9AMsd
— The Bubbles Tickle My Tchaikovsky (@TheTchaikovsky) March 29, 2021
#RuleOfSix #tennis Telegraph cartoon 29.3.21 pic.twitter.com/TZPd6Ft8UM
— patrick blower (@blowercartoons) March 29, 2021
This morning I feel like I can stretch a bit more, like I've been upgraded to a slightly bigger cage #RuleOfSix
— Rachael Morrow (@RachHMorrow) March 29, 2021