Some minor easing of Covid-19 restrictions come into effect today.

People can now travel up to 5km from their home to exercise. The previous limit was 2km.

Medically vulnerable people who are cocooning can now also leave home to exercise, as long as they avoid contact with other people.

This group includes those aged over 70, transplant recipients, people on immunosuppression therapies or those who have severe respiratory conditions.

Medically vulnerable people are still advised to stay at home and only go out for "a short walk for exercise beyond your garden or yard".

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While outside, the advice is to strictly adhere to the two-metre physical distancing measures, maintain a "no-touch" policy and wash their hands on returning home.

Cocooners are also advised to avoid shops and they should not attend gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example family homes, weddings and religious services.

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Opticians are among the businesses allowed to reopen on 18 May

Phase One of the roadmap to easing of Covid-19 restrictions begins on 18 May. The main changes of that phase include:

  • Up to four people who do not live together can meet outdoors while keeping at least two metres apart
  • Childcare workers can care for the children of essential healthcare workers in the healthcare worker's home
  • Shops that were previously open in Tier 2 (for example: homeware, opticians, motor, bicycle and repair, office products, electrical, IT, phone sales and repair) can open
  • Outdoor spaces and tourism sites (for example: car parks, beaches, mountain walks) will be opened where social distancing can be maintained
  • Public sport amenities (for example: pitches, tennis courts, golf courses) can be opened where social distancing can be maintained
  • People can exercise - either on their own or in a group of no more than four people - where social distancing can be maintained and there is no contact with other people

There will be no change to the number of people who can attend funerals. Ten mourners remains the maximum attendance allowed.