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Social distancing: Where can I meet my friends and family?

Social distancing circles in Old Eldon Square

Many of you might be feeling a bit confused about what you can and can't do under coronavirus lockdown rules.

You might have been asked by your friends if you want to come over to play, but are not sure if this is OK.

The UK government, as well as the governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, have been regularly updating their rules, so it can sometimes be confusing trying to know what you can or shouldn't do.

We have been looking at the latest information on what the different governments have said is OK to do, and what is not OK to do.

Recent rule changes mean the advice will be different for people in your bubble, or if your area is in a local lockdown, such as parts of northern England.

Also if you're worried or unsure about anything, speak to an adult you trust.

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Image source, Reuters

Can I play with my friends at the park?

Yes - but there are different rules in different countries affecting whether you need to keep socially distanced from people you don't live with, or limiting the amount of people you play with.

In England, up to 30 people from two households are able to meet outdoors - or groups of up to six people from several different households. People must follow social distancing rules and keep at least one metre apart. You can play sports with those you meet, such as tennis or kicking a football, but you should should try to keep 2m apart, even though the minimum social distance is 1m.

In Scotland, you can meet up to 15 people from as many as five different households outside.

When outdoors, children under the age of 12 do not need to social distance from other children who are also 11 or under, or other adults from the other households. However, children aged between 12 and 17, and adults from different households, will still need to stick to social distancing rules of 2m.

In Wales, up to 30 friends and family from different households can meet outdoors, in parks or open spaces, but must maintain social distancing of 2m. However, children under the age of 11 in Wales do not have to practise social distancing.

In Northern Ireland, groups of up to 15 people who do not live together can meet outdoors too. The 1m social distancing rule still remains in place when you do meet up, except for people in a "support bubble".

Can I go round to my friend's house or garden?

Image source, Getty Images

Again, this depends where you live.

The UK government says in England, any number of people from two households can meet indoors or outdoors and you are also allowed to stay overnight. You should still be social distancing though of a minimum of 1m, but stick to 2m where you can.

In Scotland, up to eight people from three households are allowed to meet up indoors, while still keeping 2m apart.

In Wales, people from up to four different households have been allowed to form one larger 'extended household' and meet indoors since 22 August.

In Northern Ireland people who do not live together can meet in private gardens and indoors in groups of six from two different households - while still sticking to the social distancing rules where possible.

When visiting someone else's home it's still very important to practice good hygiene such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching shared surfaces if you can.