Coronavirus: Six major ways lockdown rules will change for you from this weekend

Boris Johnson has announced major changes to lockdown rules from this weekend.

From Saturday, some people will be able to form a “support bubble” with another household that will allow them to freely mix and stay over at each other’s home.

Zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas can also reopen in England from Monday.

Year 10 and 12 pupils will be allowed to have contact with teachers, places of worship will give access for private prayers and other non-essential stores will also reopen on 15 June.

It has also previously been announced commuters will have to wear face coverings on public transport from next week.

Below, Yahoo News UK takes you through six key updates you need to know:

1. Support bubbles

Adults living alone or single parents with children under the age of 18 will be allowed to form a “support bubble” with one other household from Saturday.

They will be allowed to mix as though they were one household, spending time together indoors, not having to follow the two-metre rule and staying overnight.

Ministers believe the measure will help those who have been left isolated while still restricting the spread of coronavirus.

At the Downing Street briefing, the prime minister said: “We are making this change to support those who are particularly lonely as a result of lockdown measures.”

Read more: What you can and can’t do under new support bubble lockdown rules

2. Zoos and safari parks will reopen

Zoos and safari parks have been given the green light to open their doors from Monday.

But indoor exhibitions must stay closed and amenities including cafes are takeaway only.

Leading zoos including London, Chester and Whipsnade, as well as smaller attractions, had warned the government they faced permanent closure if they were not allowed to reopen soon to visitors who provide their income.

Read more: Zoos can reopen in latest easing of lockdown

3. Some contact for year 10 and 12 pupils, to prepare for exams in 2021

The PM wants year 10 and 12 pupils to have face-to-face contact with teachers from Monday as they prepare for crucial GCSE and A-Level exams in 2021.

Children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6 in England returned to school last week.

But some schools said they did not have enough space on-site to admit all pupils in the eligible year groups, while adhering to government guidance to limit class sizes to 15 and encourage fewer interactions.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson has now been forced to admit defeat over plans for all primary pupils in England to attend classes before the summer break.

Read more: When are children set to return to school across the UK?

4. Face coverings

Commuters will have to wear face coverings on public transport in England from 15 June to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Anyone travelling on buses, trains and ferries will need to protect themselves with a mask, scarf or piece of cloth.

But commuters have been urged not to buy medical-grade masks so that supply for the health workers does not run out.

Read more: Face coverings mandatory on public transport in England

5. Reopening of all other non-essential retail

Business secretary Alok Sharma has announced shops selling clothes, books, electronics and charity items can all re-open from next week.

Craft fairs, arcades and retail art galleries will also be allowed to start trading again.

Stores will need to ensure they have taken precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19, which includes correct signage and social distancing markers.

Other businesses where it is harder to maintain a distance, including pubs, restaurants and hairdressers, will remain shut until 4 July at the earliest.

Read more: All retail outlets in England can reopen within days

6. Places of worship can reopen for private prayer

The government has said individual prayer will be permitted from 15 June, but communally-led prayer, worship or devotion such as services, evensong, informal prayer meetings, Mass, Jummah or Kirtan will not be possible.

Places of worship will have to stick to strict social-distancing guidance to ensure coronavirus is not spread.

They can remain closed if they choose and reopen later if they feel it is safer.

The buildings have been closed over the last few months during key religious festivals.

Read more: Places of worship set to reopen to private prayer

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