Brits ‘to be allowed picnics in park and drive to country for walks and sunbathe’ in first stage of easing lockdown

Sunbathing in the park, picnics and driving to the countryside will all be on the cards as part of the Government's first stage to ease lockdown measures, it has been reported.

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The Government has still not given a date for when the lockdown will be lifted.

But the first stage is likely to be introduced later this month if coronavirus cases continue to fall, according to .

The changes would mean cops no longer moving sunbathers on in parks - although people will still be barred from playgrounds and beaches where the two-metre rule is harder to stick to.

It follows new scientific advice given to ministers that the risk of transmitting Covid-19 outside is lower than it is indoors.

The new freedoms will mean people can exercise several times a day and drive to the countryside and other outdoor spaces for walks and picnics.

But they will be accompanied by stricter fines for breaches of remaining rules, with fines rising from the current £60 to more than £3,000 for repeat offenders.

ROAD TO FREEDOM

Boris Johnson will unveil his timetable for lifting the restrictions next week.

But amid signs of restlessness, he has been quick to point out it must be done slowly and carefully to avoid a second spike of deadly infections.

Regions where the virus is rampant could be declared “hot zones” and subject to tighter restrictions.

Towns and cities where Covid-19 is on the decline could get greater freedoms.

Officials will monitor the impact on specific areas and introduce local lockdowns if minsters approve the idea.

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Meanwhile, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has taken charge of a secret operation to get Britain geared up for a return to normal life.

He is running five separate teams of officials drawing up plans for how to end the lockdown.

They have gathered evidence for an exit strategy covering schools, transport, public spaces, recreation and workplaces - with schoolkids set to be a top priority.

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