What will 'stay local' mean for Sussex this Easter?

The second phase of step one of the Prime Minister's roadmap to lifting lockdown restrictions will see several measures relaxed just before Easter.

But, with this loosening of the rules, will people in Sussex be able to celebrate the occasion with family or travel to other parts of the country to see friends?

Here are the changes set to take place:

Rules on people meeting are set to change on March 29

1. Will I be allowed to meet with family and friends?

Though many restrictions on meeting people will remain in place, there will be more leeway to see friends and family from March 29 onwards.

Up to this point during the third national lockdown, which started on January 8, it has been illegal to meet in groups of more than two. People were initially only allowed to meet one person from another household for outdoor exercise, though this was relaxed on March 8 to allow recreational activities as well.

Police could take action against people who met in larger groups, breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing £200 fines to those attending.

But, from March 29, two households or groups of up to six will be allowed to meet in outdoor spaces. This includes private gardens.

People will still be urged to maintain social distancing when meeting friends and relatives

2. Can I hug relatives and will I have to continue to follow social distancing guidelines?

Though small groups will be able to meet, social distancing measures must still be adhered to and touching must be avoided.

NHS UK advice states: "It's very important to do what you can to reduce the risk of you and other people getting ill with coronavirus. You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms.

"Try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble)."

Sussex Police have cracked down on Covid lockdown rule-breakers this year

3. Can I leave Sussex or travel to nearby towns?

Under the government's "Stay Home" rules, people could be fined for leaving home without a "reasonable excuse". Acceptable reasons for leaving the house included work, volunteering, essential activities such as food shopping, education and childcare, and for exercise.

From March 29, the "Stay Home" order will end and a "Stay Local" order is expected to replace it. Despite this change, the government says that "many lockdown restrictions will remain".

"For example, you should continue to work from home where possible, and overseas travel remains banned, aside for a small number of reasons."

However, the government has not yet specified how far people will be allowed to travel within England under the updated restrictions. It is likely that people will be expected to only leave their county or region for "essential travel", with trips to see family and friends in other parts of the country not included within this bracket.

Overseas travel remains banned, aside for a small number of reasons.

Grassroots football will be allowed to restart

4. Will non-professional sports return?

Throughout the third national lockdown, people have been allowed to meet one other person outdoors for exercise as long as social distancing measures are adhered to.

However, one of the biggest changes to lockdown rules set to come into force on March 29 will see outdoor sporting venues allowed to reopen and formally organised outdoor sports able to return.

Venues such as tennis and basketball courts can open their gates once again, while local grassroots football leagues will also return.

5. When will lockdown measures be eased further?

Step two of the government's roadmap to lifting lockdown restrictions is set to begin on April 12.

Scientific experts have, however, warned that the easing of measures was down to "data not dates", with five weeks left between each step of the lockdown being eased to observe and understand the impact of each one before committing to further action.

Step two of the roadmap will see non-essential retail return, most outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks will be allowed to welcome back visitors and indoor leisure centres and gyms will be able to reopen.

Hospitality venues will be able to serve customers outdoors only, but there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol, and no curfew.

Self-contained accommodation, such as holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.