Boris Johnson has said Brits will be allowed ‘unlimited’ exercise, as he eased the country’s coronavirus lockdown.

In a speech to the nation this evening, the Prime Minister said that from Wednesday the public will be allowed to take ‘unlimited amounts of exercise’ outdoors – and sunbathe in local parks.

He added that people can also play sport with other members of their household, relaxing previous rules that had only allowed one form of exercise a day.

In a pre-recorded message, Mr Johnson explained: ‘From this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise. You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household.

‘You must obey the rules on social distancing and to enforce those rules we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them.’

Coronavirus updates

Visit our live blog for the latest updates: Coronavirus news live

The long-anticipated speech eased a number of restrictions on the public amid the Covid-19 crisis, but the prime minister insisted the lockdown was still in place, just ‘modified’.

He also encouraged workers to go into the office by bicycle or walking, as he announced that those that cannot work from home should now travel in if they can and if it is safe.

Mr Johnson also said some hospitality venues could open by July, while selected age groups would go back to school first, as he launched a new coronavirus ‘alert system’.

But, the Prime Minister hinted that some measures could be reversed if cases begin to rise again.

He warned: ‘I must stress again that all of this is conditional, it all depends on a series of big Ifs.

‘It depends on all of us – the entire country – to follow the advice, to observe social distancing, and to keep that R down.’

Mr Johnson continued: ‘We will be monitoring our progress locally, regionally, and nationally and if there are outbreaks, if there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes.

‘We have been through the initial peak – but it is coming down the mountain that is often more dangerous.’

Boris Johnson’s speech: Key points from 10 May

Boris Johnson launches ‘coronavirus alert level’ plan

Anyone who can’t work from home ‘actively encouraged’ to go in

‘Unlimited’ exercise encouraged and sunbathing allowed as lockdown eased

Some hospitality venues could reopen by July

Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils set to go back to school first in ‘phased reopening’

This is a breaking story – more to follow.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Source: Read Full Article