Pals can meet again for barbecues from today & schools reopen – everything you can & CAN’T do under new lockdown rules

PALS can meet again for barbecues today — as schools reopen and live sport returns.

Brits are expected to splurge £1billion this week with more venturing out.

⚠️ Read our UK schools reopening live blog for the latest news & updates

The heatwave means supermarkets could sell a record 60million sausages, 20million burgers and 126million beers.

More shops will also reopen as lockdown restrictions ease. Under the new lockdown rules:

• Groups of up to six can meet outdoors in England.
• Kids in reception, Years 1 and 6 can see their school pals again.
• Outdoor markets and car showrooms can reopen.
• Horseracing begins at Newcastle, but with no spectators present.
• Vulnerable people in England and Wales advised to stay in since lockdown began can go out again.

Minister for the Cabinet Office, Michael Gove, said the “terrific dedication” of the public and NHS staff meant a switch to “step two of our recovery strategy”.

He added: “This is an important step for our wellbeing and that of the country.

“But we must stay alert and it is vital everyone continues to follow social distancing guidelines.”

Britain is set to be warmer than much of southern Europe and even Bermuda this week.

One supermarket executive predicted: “It will be the busiest-ever week for sales of BBQ food.”

It will be the busiest-ever week for sales of BBQ food.

Supermarket executive

But Brits were advised to bring chairs to their hosts and not to use the paddling pools.

Camden Market in North London will be one of many reopening again, with tables two metres apart and a one-way system.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick also said the vulnerable and elderly who have been shielding for ten weeks can go outside again.

He said they and their loved ones had made a “huge sacrifice”.

What can I do with the new lockdown rules?

Here's everything you can - and can't - do with the new lockdown rules.

Friends and family

In England, from Monday, June 1, you can meet up to six people at a time - as long as you're two metres apart and outside. This includes in parks and private gardens.

You can walk through someone's house to get to their garden - but don't spend prolonged periods of time inside.

You can use the loo - but be sure to wash your hands and wipe down any surfaces you have used.

Schools

On June 1, reception, years one and six will also head back to school in England

From June 15, secondary school teachers will be able to have face-to-face contact with Year 10 and 12 pupils who have exams next year.

Work

If you can work from home, then you should do so.

But if you can't work from home - for instance if you work in a factory, then it's fine to go into work - as long as social distancing is maintained, says No10.

It's important to communicate with your employer and understand what new measures will be in place to keep you safe.

If you need to work in someone else's home, for instance if you're a plumber or a childminder, it's also fine for you to return.

You must follow hygiene and social distancing rules.

Work should not be carried out in the home of someone who is shielding.

You should also try to avoid taking public transport to work if possible - the best thing to do is cycle or walk if you can.

Shopping

All non-essential shops can open again from June 15 - as long as social distancing measures are in place.

From June 1, outdoor markets and car showrooms can open too.

Garden centres have reopened and DIY shops are also up and running.

Supermarkets and chemists have remained open throughout lockdown as they were deemed essential.

Outside exercise

There were no rule changes to the amount of outside exercise you can do - you're allowed out for unlimited walks, runs and workouts daily.

But you still need to follow social distancing rules.

Clinically extremely vulnerable

It was revealed on May 30 that the 2.2 million people shielding because they are clinically extremely vulnerable will be able to leave their homes for the first time in weeks from Monday.

These people will be able to go outside with those from their own household, but not meat anyone else - except for those that live alone who can meet one other person but still social distance.

What can't I do with the new lockdown rules?

Haircuts

You still can't get your hair cut, unfortunately.

There aren't any dates for when salons are set to reopen - but Health Secretary Matt Hancock has sparked hopes weird lockdown haircuts could be sorted soon, by saying the idea of reopening hairdressers wasn't "insurmountable".

Gyms

There are still no plans to reopen gyms yet, although Brits are allowed unlimited outside exercise.

Experts have suggested the benefits of exercise outweigh the risk, and say gyms should reopen.

Holidays

The Foreign Office's advice is still to refrain from all but essential travel - including in and out of the UK.

A 14-day quarantine period for people arriving into the UK is set to be implemented "as soon as possible," according to the Government.

Several resorts across Europe, including in Greece and Spain have reopened - but Brits are banned from visiting for a period of time.

The Sun's travel editor, Lisa Minot, also answered FAQs about summer hols.

You also should not travel from England to Wales or Scotland for a holiday.

Pubs

Unfortunately, there are still no solid plans for pubs to reopen.

However, talks between pub bosses and No 10 suggest they could reopen in June.

An initial timescale suggested July, but the PM suggested experts are close to a solution to halting the coronavirus spread in bars, which would bring the reopening date forward..

The same goes for restaurants - although the majority of eateries have remained open for takeaway during lockdown or have already opened.

Why are the rules different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Leaders of the devolved nations are handling lockdown slightly differently to the PM, although all four governments have stressed the lockdown across the UK will be lifted together.