Two households could join together to see each other regularly under proposals for a new "bubble" system later this year.
The idea, based on a system in place in New Zealand, would see each household allowed to join up with another to form one "unit".
But you'd have to choose just one household to pair with - and not see anyone else.
This change is not confirmed and there is no date when it might happen.
The proposal is being considered as the government unveils a 60-page plan revealing how the UK will come out of lockdown.
The document warns: "This is not a short-term crisis.
"It is likely that COVID-19 will circulate in the human population long-term, possibly causing periodic epidemics.
"In the near future, large epidemic waves cannot be excluded without continuing some measures."
But the government's scientific advisors SAGE have been asked to look at whether, when and how a "bubble" system could be introduced.
This could, for example, allow two elderly people who live apart to spend time together, or let children who live alone see their parents regularly.
And it could be used to let two households share childcare between each other - allowing parents to return to work more easily.
The roadmap reveals: "The Government has asked SAGE to examine whether, when and how it can safely change the regulations to allow people to expand their household group to include one other household in the same exclusive group."
The guidelines clarify that people can meet up outdoors with one person from outside their household as long as social distancing guidelines are followed, people may drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance and may exercise outside as many times each day as they wish.
The guidance adds: "These measures may come with some risk; it is important that everyone continues to act responsibly, as the large majority have done to date.
"The infection rate will increase if people begin to break these rules and, for example, mix in groups in parks, which will trigger the need for further restrictions."
The government is also examining how to let people gather in slightly larger groups for "small weddings".
But again there is no date for this and no confirmed plan.
On Sunday, Mr Johnson unveiled a "conditional plan" on Sunday evening for easing restrictions in England, saying people could take unlimited exercise outdoors, travel to other places by car and should start going back to work if they cannot work from home.
The guidance sets out in more detail what the Government's plans are, and how they are expected to work in practice.
But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the Prime Minister of allowing his new lockdown guidelines to start "unravelling" after details were lacking.
From Wednesday, the official guidance will be that people should wear face coverings on public transport, and in enclosed spaces.
Some roads will be closed so that pop-up cycle lanes can be introduced to reduce pressure on transport and people who can work from home must stay there "for the foreseeable future".
And those hoping that gyms, cinemas, nightclubs, hair salons and sports stadiums will reopen have been warned that it will only happen "significantly later" than most places opening again.
