Brits could be able to have garden parties and barbecues with family and friends from next month.
Boris Johnson green-lit small outside social gatherings from the end of June in Monday's (May 25) daily coronavirus briefing, as the Government continues to ease lockdown restrictions.
And the Daily Telegraph reports the Prime Minister also brought up the idea of wider "social bubbles" during a cabinet meeting on Monday, hours before the press conference.
The scheme, which could see up to 10 people come together outside, has proven popular in New Zealand, which has recorded 21 Covid-19 deaths compared to the UK's 37,000, the Mirror reports.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) is understood to have advised ministers the chances of transmission are significantly reduced outdoors.
A spokesman told the Telegraph Downing Street is "open" to the prospect of social bubbles, which are seen as a way of protecting people's mental health.
The Government's 50-page "road map" to end lockdown, unveiled last month, had referred to increasing measures to allow for more social contact.
It said: "The intention of this change would be to allow those who are isolated some more social contact, and to reduce the most harmful effects of the current social restrictions, while continuing to limit the risk of chains of transmission."
It is unclear whether allowing social gatherings in the coming weeks is set to go hand in hand with the prospect of "social bubbles".
The PM also yesterday announced outdoor markets and car showrooms can reopen next week - with other "non essential" shops to follow a fortnight later.
Speaking at the briefing, he said the first wave of reopenings - where trading can largely be done outside - can happen from June 1.
Shops selling items including clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics will then be allowed to reopen on June 15 - if government safety tests are met.
Social distancing measures must remain in place, the PM said.
He said: "I want people to be confident they can shop safely provided they follow social distancing rules."
This will be dependent on key tests, including a drop in new infections and deaths, being met.
