New lockdown rules for having a barbecue legally

Barbecues are allowed under new government guidance

How you can have a barbecue legally under new lockdown rules

People can legally have a barbecue under new government lockdown guidance.

Since the lockdown was brought into effect on March 23, the public and businesses have faced many restrictions in a bid to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

But those new rules are slowly but surely being lifted as the government works to establish a new normal amid the chaos caused by the outbreak.

The Prime Minister outlined his updated lockdown rules at the Downing Street briefing yesterday, which came as welcome news for families who have been separated in the crisis.

He stated families would be able to meet in gardens while up to six residents from separate households could meet outside.

This means as long as people obey social distancing guidance, they will be able to enjoy a barbecue.

You can meet up to six people in a garden

Addressing the nation on May 29, Boris Johnson said: "I cannot and will not throw away all the gains we’ve made together and so the changes we’re making are limited and cautious.

"It’s thanks to the caution you've shown so far that all five met are being met.

"The result is that we can move forward with adjusting the lockdown in England on Monday."

But you must stay two metres apart

He added: "From Monday, up to six members of different households will be able to meet outdoors.

"They are asked to continue to observe social distancing and stay two metres apart at all times.

"People will also be able to meet with their family members in gardens and other private areas but again are asked to maintain social distancing.

"They should not enter the household unless briefly necessary to enter the garden."

The Prime Minister said barbecues could be possible if socially distanced, although it was later confirmed there was still a risk of transmission due to food being passed around if people did not wash their hands.

You must also continue to wash your hands regularly

Asked about barbecues at Friday's briefing, Professor Stephen Powis said maintaining the fundamental rules around safety and hygiene remain for people meeting in any setting.

He said: "I think if you're in a garden, a private garden, having a barbecue, whether you're in a park, the fundamental rules around safety remain.

"Which is the two-metre rule, to stay distant from each other at all times, to maintain hand hygiene, to ensure your hands are clear and washing your hands frequently.

"I think it's those general principles around safety in reducing the risk of transmission which need to be applied in any setting as those lockdown measures begin to be relaxed and more individuals can get together - maintain social distancing, maintain hand hygiene."

And you must be careful if you use a friend's toilet

People are allowed to meet in outdoor spaces but not inside homes because the virus is believed to spread more easily indoors.

But at barbecues, some may not be able to avoid a call of nature.

Speaking at the Thursday briefing, Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, told anyone planning such gatherings it was "absolutely critical" to maintain strong hygiene standards, including washing hands and keeping to social distancing rules.

Speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing, he said: "If someone was to go into the loo, it is absolutely critical that they wipe everything down, wash their hands all the way through."

Those wanting to indulge in a barbecue can legally do so as long as they obey social distancing guidance and take care to continually wash their hands to prevent the potential spread of the virus.

Under the NHS test and trace programme, people in England will be told to quarantine themselves for two weeks if they come into contact with someone who has tested positive.