UK lockdown: People in England can take 'unlimited' outdoor exercise and sunbathe in parks, says Boris Johnson

‘You can even play sports but only with members of your own household,’ PM says but warns social distancing remains

People in England will be allowed to exercise outdoors as much as they want and sit in the sun from Wednesday, Boris Johnson has announced.

In a key measure easing the lockdown rules, the prime minister gave people permission to leave home more than ever since the lockdown began on 24 March.

But social distancing must be maintained, he warned.

“From this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise,” he said.

“You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household.

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“You must obey the rules on social distancing, and to enforce those rules we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them.”

Under the new rules, people may leave their homes more than once a day. Until now, going out for exercise was allowed only once a day. Many people translated this as a maximum of an hour a day.

The prime minister said people would even be encouraged to take more outdoor exercise. Nicola Sturgeon is also lifting the once-a-day-limit on exercise in Scotland.

Until now, only people with health conditions such as autism have been allowed out to exercise more than once a day.

Since 24 March, sunbathing in parks in England has been banned, even for people alone.

Drivers may use their vehicles to go to other destinations to exercise – but only with members of their own household.

Anyone not obeying the social distancing rules could be fined, and the financial penalties will be increased to enforce the social distancing rules.