Coronavirus restrictions are easing from today (17/5), with there being changes to the rules on households mixing and hundreds of local businesses being able to reopen.
There had been speculation as to whether the next stage of the Government's roadmap would go ahead due to increasing concerns about the Indian variant, a more transmissible strain of the virus that has become dominant in areas such as South Northamptonshire and Bedford.
But the Prime Minister insisted on progressing out of lockdown while warning that people should be cautious and act in a reasonable way to help prevent the spread.
So, as restrictions ease across England, what changes have come into place?
The rules on social mixing have changed from today. The rule of six applies indoors, while the rule has been scrapped for outdoor settings - meaning that up to 30 people can meet outside.
Another one of the biggest changes is that households are now able to mix indoors. This is allowed so long as there are no more than six people meeting indoors, or two households. Meetings can take place in people's homes, and other settings such as cafes, restaurants, and pubs, as indoor dining has opened today.
Hospitality venues can now serve customers both indoors and outdoors, so long as they follow the rules on social mixing. Table service must continue, and face masks must be worn when walking throughout the venue to go to the restroom.
Indoor entertainment venues, including cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys, and bingo halls can reopen. Social distancing must be followed, people must check-in via NHS track and trace, and face masks must be worn.
People will also be able to stay overnight in somebody's house from today, so long as rules on social mixing are followed. Domestic holidays, also known as staycations, are allowed within the rule of six too. You can also hug people that are close to you.
Some large events will also be allowed to resume. Indoor events will have a capacity of 1,000, or 50 per cent, whichever is smaller.
Outdoor events, such as the UK's Strongest Man taking place at Stadium MK this month, will be capped at 4,000 or 50% capacity.
Outdoor seated events, including football matches, will be capped at 10,000 or 25% capacity.
Another change that comes into place is that organised indoor adult sport, including badminton and indoor tennis, can resume. Indoor gym classes are also allowed again.
Up to 30 people will be able to attend ceremonies such as weddings, receptions, funerals and wakes. This limit will also apply to other significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings.
Face coverings no longer needed by secondary school and college pupils in classrooms or communal areas. All remaining university students can return to in-person teaching, with twice-weekly testing.
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen fully and travel restrictions are lifted under a traffic light system - but people should only travel to green list countries, or amber if they really have to.
