As the Government has published its strategic roadmap this afternoon, some of the vagaries of the Boris Johnson address to the nation have been clarified.
The Government is encouraging people to get out in the open air as much as possible provided that social distancing can be maintained.
Approved sports can be played with a person not from your household as long as social distancing is respected but obviously this will exclude certain contact sports but certainly tennis and golf could be played and people will be allowed to go fishing.
People will also be allowed to drive to parks and other open spaces “irrespective” of how far away they are located.
Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and “ticketed outdoor leisure venues” – where there is a higher risk of close contact,also remain off-limits under step one of the plans.The reopening of such leisure facilities may only be “fully possible significantly later” depending on the reduction in infections, it added.
The document warned that if people break the rules and begin to mix in groups in parks, the infection rate could increase and trigger the need for further restrictions
However, it added: “When travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration.”
You will only be allowed to meet one person from outside of your household outdoors at any one time and that meeting cannot take place for example in your own garden.
The use of face masks will not be enforced in law,the guidance advises face masks be used when on public transport or in shops where remaining two metres from others is difficult.
The PM’s spokesman told reporters: “It is advice, so we are publishing that today and it is for the public to judge whether or not this is something they want to follow.It is not something that is part of the regulations, i.e. you won’t be fined for not wearing a face mask.”
