Bring your own CHAIRS for BBQs, NO paddling pools and sex with someone from another house is BANNED: Government issues detailed instructions on new lockdown rules to try to clear up mass confusion

• Groups of up to six allowed to meet socially or to play certain sports from today
• New rules announced by Boris Johnson come into force today in England 
• Millions are now able to see friends and family and more businesses can reopen 
• All the people involved must stay two metres apart if they do not live together

Britons are allowed to meet their friends for socially distant fun and games from today as the Government eases some of the lockdown restrictions in force since March.

Groups of up to six people from different households are allowed to meet socially or to play certain sports under a partial relaxing of previous rules which only allowed two people to meet.

But as before, all the people involved must stay two metres away from each other if they do not live together, with other strict measures designed to limit risk during sports or at gatherings including barbecues. 

And in one of the most controversial aspects of the new rules, Boris Johnson has introduced a bonking ban, ruling two people from different houses cannot meet indoors.

Experts have warned that the coronavirus lockdown is being eased too quickly making a second spike 'inevitable' and police have said the rules are now 'unenforceable' as Britons are again expected to swamp beaches and parks because of more scorching weather. 

Millions are now able to see friends and family, more businesses can reopen and children will return to primary school for the first time in more than 10 weeks.  Outdoor markets and car showrooms also reopen this morning.

But the Government is urging Britons to act 'sensibly' as they enjoy a host of new freedoms, which experts have claimed are coming too fast and will make a second a second spike in UK Covid-19 cases 'inevitable'.  

Here we set out the new rules, what is allowed and what is still prohibited as the UK attempts to get back to some sort of normal while avoiding a catastrophic new surge in deaths.

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Groups of up to six people from different households are allowed to meet socially or to play certain sports under a partial relaxing of previous rules announced by Boris Johnson (pictured today)

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All the people involved must stay two metres away from each other if they do not live together

Who can be in my group of six?

Anyone you like, although the usual rules about isolation if you have symptoms apply. Social distancing from people not within your own household remains the key. 

So you can share a picnic rug in the park with anyone you live with, but anyone else still has to stay two metres (six feet six inches) away.

And the other key point is that this gathering has to be outdoors. You can have the gathering inside someones' garden, yard or roof terrace, in the street, in the park, in an empty car park. But you cannot have it in inside a house or flat or any other building.

The other point to note is that the rules on six only apply to more than one family group. They also point out: 'There is no limit to the size of a gathering in an outdoor space if you are all members of the same household.' 

Can we go inside at all?

You can pass through a house or flat in order to access the garden or terrace, if there is no other way to access them.

And in good news for people with small children or those wanting to enjoy a few beers with friends, you are allowed in to use the toilet.

The guidance notes:  'Avoid touching surfaces and if you use the toilet wash your hands thoroughly, wipe down surfaces, use separate or paper towels and wash or dispose of them safely after use.

'If you no longer want to remain outdoors, you should go home.

'Don’t go into garages, sheds or cabins – these are all indoor areas and where the risk of transmission is higher.'

Can we have a barbecue and how will it work?  

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eople should not pass food or drinks to those not within their family groups and you should bring your own plates and utensils

Barbecues and other al fresco eating like picnics are allowed, but with strict measures in place to avoid contamination.

You should bring your own garden chairs if possible, and if you cannot thoroughly clean the ones you sit on. 

The advice is to 'stay alert'. People should not pass food or drinks to those not within their family groups and you should bring your own plates and utensils. And you should wash your hands frequently.

And in bad news for the hosts, it adds: 'If you are in someone else’s garden, you must not go inside to help the host carry the food out or to help with the washing up.'

What else can we do? Can we get the paddling pool out for the kids? 

Paddling pools should not be shared by people who are not within the same family group. And the bad news extends to the mega rich who have swimming pools, the rules are the same for them. 

I don't have a garden, can we all meet up somewhere else?  

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he rules allow separate family groups to travel to another location, as long as there is no overnight stay involved - so camping and weekends away are still banned

Yes, the rules allow separate family groups to travel to another location, as long as there is no overnight stay involved - so camping and weekends away are still banned.

The guidance states: 'You can travel to outdoor open space irrespective of distance, as long as you can return the same night and do not put others at risk because of services you may need in the time you are away.'

This includes 'National Parks or beaches' although it warns that some remain clised - like Durdle Door in Dorset which was swamped with people at the weekend.

It also recommends you avoid public transport where possible, suggesting cycling or walking where possible. 

So no overnight trips allowed? 

Not for leisure, no. Holidays and visits to a second home are not allowed. The only exception is work travel.

The guidance states: 'Premises such as hotels and bed and breakfasts will remain closed, except where providing accommodation for specific reasons set out in law, such as for critical workers where required for a reason relating to their work.

'Hotels are also available to host those self-isolating after arriving in the UK (where no other accommodation is available).'

But I don't live with my partner, and I haven't seen them in months... 

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Bad luck. The rules clearly state that conjugal visits are not allowed. In one of the more controversial moves, Boris Johnson's Government has brought in a sex ban.

The guidance states: 'Close contact with people from other households means a much higher risk of transmission, and according to the scientific advice, we cannot safely allow people to see people they don’t live with indoors without the risk that the virus will spread. 

'We recognise how difficult this is for people – particularly those who live alone and we are keeping this under constant review.'

The rules created a lot of amusement - or horror - on social media, with legal blogger and writer the Secret Barrister pointing out (above)  the guidance only applied to sex indoors.

Can I take my mind off this with sports? 

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Solo sports like tennis and golf are allowed in groups of up to six, with social distancing maintained and no sharing of equipment

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The rules could also be seen to apply to other spots like kayaking or paddle-boarding where people keep their distance

Yes, sports are permitted under the same gathering rules.

Solo sports like tennis and golf are allowed in groups of up to six, with social distancing maintained and no sharing of equipment.

This includes doubles tennis 'as long as you remain two metres apart as far as possible'.

And training for team sports like football, rugby and hockey are also allowed.

The guidance notes: 'People who play team sports can meet to train together and do things like conditioning or fitness sessions but they must be in separate groups of no more than six and must be two metres apart at all times. 

'While groups could practice ball skills like passing and kicking, equipment sharing should be kept to a minimum and strong hand hygiene practices should be in place before and after.