Can couples who don't live together meet to have sex under the new rules?

It's a question which had been confusing couples - who don't live together - as the coronavirus rules tighten across the UK.

Can I see - or more bluntly still have sex with - my partner if we don't live in the same household, or household bubble?

Now the government has clarified its position on what it describes as 'established relationships', the Mirror reports.

And there's good news - you can still see your partner as long as you are part of an established relationship.

It is not clear what actually defines an established relationship - whether it has to be one lasting days, weeks or even months.

But common sense should probably come to the fore when making decisions on whether to hook up.

Otherwise, you could risk a fine of £200 for flouting the rules.

If you live in local lockdown areas - such as most of Lancashire, Warrington and Halton and Merseyside, though there's a ban on households mixing in their homes and gardens (which would appear to contradict this general message.)

A couple holding hands - and now they can get together even if they don't live in the same household (PA)

However, under rule 2.13 of the regulations, the government said: "People in an established relationship do not need to socially distance.

"If in the early stages of a relationship, you should take particular care to follow the guidance on social distancing.

"If you intend to have close contact with someone, you should discuss how you can help to prevent risks of transmission as a couple, for example, by ensuring you are both avoiding close contact with people you do not live with."

Casual sex is OFF, though.

The guidance says you should "stay two metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or one metre with extra precautions."

Which makes casual hook ups virtually impossible.

Health Minister, Lord Bethell, appeared to urge millions of people heading off to university not to have casual sex as Freshers' Weeks events kicked off around the country.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman also warned students off copping off with each other for casual encounters.

Asked if they should "restrain themselves", the spokesman said: "Look, I think the rules for meeting indoors continue to talk about the need to observe social distancing."