Rules on unlimited exercise, going to the park, driving for exercise and playing sports

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced changes to the UK lockdown restrictions by allowing unlimited exercise.

In his speech to the nation on Sunday, May 10, Mr Johnson announced changes to the "exercise once per day" rule.

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Mr Johnson said: "From this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise.

"You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household."

People enjoying their daily exercise in Roundhay Park before the latest announcement from the Prime Minister. JPIMedia.People enjoying their daily exercise in Roundhay Park before the latest announcement from the Prime Minister. JPIMedia.
People enjoying their daily exercise in Roundhay Park before the latest announcement from the Prime Minister. JPIMedia. | jpimedia

Here is everything you need to know about the changes to exercise:

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- Am I still limited to how much I can exercise outdoors each day?

Not anymore. From Wednesday people will be encouraged to take more outdoor exercise - even an unlimited amount.

- Can I sunbathe?

Yes. People will be allowed to sit in the sun in their local parks, but you must only do so with members of your own household and remain socially distanced from others.

- Can I drive elsewhere to enjoy the outdoors?

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Yes, you can drive to other destinations but only with members of your own household.

The government has encouraged people to avoid public transport.

- When I'm outdoors can I play sports?

Yes, but again this must be limited to doing so only with members of your own household.

- What if I don't obey the social distancing rules?

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You could be fined, and the financial penalties will be increased in order to enforce the social distancing rules.

- Does Boris Johnson's plan apply to the whole of the UK?

No. Devolved governments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have power to make their own decisions on a number of matters, including health, and some have already done so.

Wales announced a slight easing on Friday allowing people to exercise more than once a day, garden centres reopening with social distancing guidelines and local authorities starting planning on how to safely open libraries and recycling centres.

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Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Sunday that the cap on daily exercise has been scrapped, but she warned that that is not an excuse to meet up in groups at parks or beaches, to sunbathe or have picnics and barbecues.

Northern Ireland's road map, which is expected to only have "nuanced" changes, will be announced this week.

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