Six people from different households will be allowed to exercise together outdoors in England from MONDAY but they must still remain two metres apart

• Groups of up to six from different households now allowed to exercise outdoors
• Social distancing rules must still be adhered to but people can train together
• New changes come into force in England on June 1 – same day other rules eased 
• Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19

Groups of up to six people from different households will be allowed to exercise together outdoors in England from Monday – as long as they stay two metres apart.

Ministers announced this afternoon a further loosening of coronavirus lockdown rules which could pave the way for the eventual return of grassroots sport. 

The latest easing means that people who play team sports can meet up and train together to do things like conditioning or fitness sessions. 

However, anything involving physical contact is not allowed with the Government urging people to keep equipment sharing to an absolute minimum. 

Meanwhile, the latest move also means parents will be able to accompany children to coaching sessions if they are being carried out on a one to one basis or in small groups.

Groups of up to six people from different households will be allowed to exercise together in England from Monday but social distancing will still be required

A relaxation of lockdown rules was reflected in today’s Number 10 coronavirus slides as the use of parks surged 

The latest Downing Street data shows that the number of new cases of coronavirus continues to broadly fall across the UK 

Outdoor gyms, playgrounds and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools will remain shut for the foreseeable future.

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said the ‘next step will allow more of us to exercise with more people from outside our households providing social distancing is maintained’

The changes will come into force on the same day that people in England will be allowed to meet up with five others from different households outside, either in private gardens or public spaces. 

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: ‘The coronavirus outbreak has demonstrated to so many of us how important exercise and fitness is, both for our physical and mental wellbeing, and I am hopeful that people will continue to make time for it as life gradually returns to normal.

‘This next step will allow more of us to exercise with more people from outside our households providing social distancing is maintained.

‘We are working hard to get grassroots sport back up and running safely too, so that people can reunite with their own football, rugby or cricket teammates and get back on their pitches, fields or athletic tracks. 

‘But we will only do this when it is safe and appropriate to do so, based upon scientific advice.’ 

Gatherings of more than six people from different households remain banned which means team sports proper cannot resume.    

The latest changes come after exercise rules were initially relaxed on May 14 to allow people to exercise outside as much as they want.

Currently the rules state that people should exercise alone or with their household or with one other person while adhering to social distancing rules.

Those changes also allowed outdoor sports facilities such as golf courses and tennis courts to reopen, with strict safety measures in place.

The guidance coming into effect on Monday is strictly for people in England. 

Ministers are urging people to be aware that if they visit Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland they must adhere to the rules imposed by the devolved administrations at all times.  

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