THE UK has been on lockdown since March 23 in a bid to increase social distancing and slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Here's everything you need to know about the rules and what is and isn't allowed during lockdown.

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What are the new UK lockdown rules?

On June 13, single parents or those living alone will be able to mix with one other house of their choosing.

They will not have to observe social distancing when inside each other's homes.

Should I observe social-distancing rules in my house?

No, you only have to follow social-distancing rules when you outside around other people, not those from your household.

Social distancing means staying at least two metres away from others at all times. 

Those who are unable to work from home are being told to practise social distancing in the workplace where possible.

The government's website states that social distancing advice applies to people "outside of your household".

Can I still walk my dog in lockdown?

The lockdown rules allow everyone to leave the house for exercise once a day.

Dogs are allowed to accompany owners for exercise.

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If you usually walk your dog twice a day, another member of your household should accompany it for the second walk.

The government has said you should ideally not walk dogs from another household to ensure social distancing is maintained.

Can I still move house?

The government has effectively suspended the housing market, and said you should postpone upcoming moves if at all possible.

Moves can still go ahead if they have to for contractual reasons, but social distancing guidelines should be followed throughout.

Estate agents, surveyors, and potential buyers are not allowed to visit homes while the lockdown remains in place.

Anyone in the initial stages of a purchase or sale has been told to delay.

Further details can be found on the gov.uk website.

Can I be fined if I leave my house?

Police now have the power to issue £60 on-the-spot fines for anyone found flouting the lockdown rules.

Fines could also be higher for repeat offenders.

Speaking about the measures, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “All our frontline services are doing an incredible job to stop this terrible virus from spreading.

“That’s why I’m giving the police these new enforcement powers, to protect the public and keep people safe.”

The Home Office said officers would use “common sense and discretion” when enforcing the lockdown.

They are expected only to use new powers where people refuse to comply with requests to return home.

What if I'm a key worker and my kids still go to school?

Some schools reopened on 1 June following coronavirus guidelines.

Additionally, some schools have remained partially open to care for the children of key workers.

The provision is intended to ease the childcare burden and allow key workers to stay at work.

The Department for Education has said parents should keep children at home unless their work is "critical" to efforts to combat the epidemic.

Join our George Cross campaign for NHS staff

SUN readers are today urged to sign a petition calling for our NHS staff to be awarded the George Cross.

Yesterday, we backed a proposal by Lord Ashcroft to honour our health heroes with the gallantry gong given for acts of bravery that did not take place in battle.

A No10 spokesman said: “The NHS is doing a fantastic job and the nation will want to find a way to say thank you when we have defeated this virus.”

SAS hero Andy McNab added: “The award of a George Cross would show an emotional appreciation.”

We are asking readers to sign the petition online at thesun.co.uk/georgecrossfornhs.

What if I'm an NHS coronavirus volunteer?

More than half a million people signed up to volunteer in the NHS to ease additional pressure during the outbreak.

The drive had initially been for 250,000 people.

Volunteers are delivering food and medicines, driving patients to appointments, and phoning those who are isolated.

Volunteers are being asked not to participate if they or anyone else in their household is currently showing symptoms of the coronavirus or if they have an underlying health condition.

What are the best ways to communicate with my family and friends on lockdown?

Groups of up to six people may meet, socially distanced, in the park.

Two households may also mix, socially distanced, in their gardens.

Modern technology will make staying in touch with friends and family a lot easier than it once would have been.

Among the options available are:

• Phone 
• FaceTime
• Zoom
• Skype
• HouseParty
• Portal
• NetflixParty

The Government has extended the lockdown for a further three weeks after Boris Johnson first introduced the measures on March 23.

Dominic Raab said the restrictions would stay in place until it passes five key test.

He added that the UK was still on course to take three months to come out of the current peak — taking the lockdown to June.

What if I am a single parent or live alone?

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed that single people living alone – or with children under 18 – can form a support bubble with another family or household from June 13.

It will mean grandparents who live alone can finally see their grandchildren again.

And single parents with kids can form a bubble with another house too – so they can stay overnight, help with childcare or provide much needed support.

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