Boris Johnson has unveiled his long-awaited roadmap out of lockdown.
It comes weeks after the country was plunged into a third national lockdown at the start of the year amid rapidly rising coronavirus cases.
Restrictions meant that outdoor sport was no longer permitted, which forced golf courses to close across the country.
The nation was told to "stay home" with few exceptions on leaving the house, including essential shopping and exercise locally.
However from next month, outdoor sport such as tennis and five-a-side football can resume again, along with the reopening of golf courses.
Speaking to MPs in the House of Commons this afternoon, the Prime Minister announced that outdoor sport can resume from March 29.
Another easement from March 29 will enable larger groups to gather in parks and gardens.
By the Easter holidays the 'rule of six' will return, along with new measures allowing two households totalling more than six people to meet – giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
Prior to this on March 8, socialising in parks and public spaces with one other person will be permitted to allow people to sit down for a drink or picnic.
The roadmap out of lockdown was signed off in a Cabinet meeting on Monday morning after the PM and his ministers spent the past week hearing scientific evidence on the latest with the virus.
Downing Street on Sunday confirmed four tests for lifting measures, which will commence from March 8, as all tests are currently being met.
Progress on the next steps will depend on the following: the success of the vaccine rollout, evidence of vaccine efficacy, an assessment of new variants, and keeping infection rates below a level that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
The PM will hold a televised press conference this evening at 7pm to outline the relaxation of rules to the nation.
