Lockdown rules: Full list of exemptions to Rule of Six as rules ease across England

Lockdown restrictions are being relaxed in England today, allowing Brits to gather in groups of up to six people outside.

It comes after Wales lifted some of its Covid measures on Saturday, while Scotland and Northern Ireland also started easing their rules.

The Government's 'stay at home' order is being lifted today, with people instead being urged to 'stay local' and work from home if possible.

Outdoor sports facilities, including tennis and basketball courts, can reopen today - while organised sport such as grassroots football can also return.

One of the biggest changes will be the return of the Rule of Six today, allowing groups of up to six people from any number of households - or a group of any size from two households - to meet up in a garden or a park.

Here are some of the exemptions to the Rule of Six:

Support bubbles

People who are part of a 'support bubble' of more than six people are exempt from the rules.

Adults who live by themselves or are raising children on their own can join with one other household under the system.

Parents with babies under the age of one can also now set up a support bubble with another household.

Support bubbles are exempt from the Rule of Six (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Weddings

Weddings were banned under the previous restrictions unless there were 'exceptional circumstances'.

However, this caveat has now been lifted meaning anyone can get married in front of up to six guests.

Summer weddings with an unlimited number of attendees could be allowed if all restrictions are lifted as hoped from June 21, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Up to six guests are allowed at weddings (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Funerals

Only 30 people are allowed to attend a funeral - either inside or outside - under the current restrictions.

Only six people will be able to attend the wake, although this must not take place in a private home.

The number of people who can actually attend a funeral may also be restricted by Covid measures such as social distancing.

A maximum of 30 people can attend funerals inside or outside (SWNS.com)

Schools and offices

Schools and other education facilities are allowed to accommodate more than six people.

Gatherings of more than six people are also allowed at workplaces.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said this exemption was due to the need to 'get through' the pandemic with minimal impact.

The Rule of Six also does not apply in schools (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Outdoor sports

Outdoor team sport events will be allowed from today, with the FA saying all formats of football can resume.

The FA's website states: "On Monday 29 March, as part of the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown, outdoor sports facilities can open, and organised outdoor football can take place.

"We've now published our updated guidance, based on the latest Government advice available, which applies to all outdoor youth and adult football and Futsal, including all formats of the game."

However, indoor football is still banned and is expected to remain so for adults until May 17, the FA said.

Places of worship

Churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship will be exempt from the Rule of Six.

The number of worshippers is limited to how many people can socially distance in the venue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury tweeted: "After contact with Government we hear that there is no change to guidance on places of worship.

"Worship is the work of God - not a social gathering - and gives the strength to love and serve."