AS LOCKDOWN restrictions are lifted, Hampshire residents have a little more freedom to enjoy this Easter bank holiday weekend.

However, there are still a number of measures in place to ensure people stay safe and protect their loved ones.

Can I visit my family member in a care home or hospice?

Since March 8, care home residents have been allowed one visitor as long as they wear PPE and have recently tested negative for Covid-19.

Every care home resident in England is now able to nominate a single named visitor who can come in for a regular visit.

Can I see my family in my garden?

On March 29, lockdown rules were relaxed and gave permission for two households, or six people, to meet up outside.

This includes meeting in a private garden or in an outside public space such as a park or beach.

Hugs and close contact are not encouraged as relatives are urged to maintain social distancing rules to limit the spread of the virus.

Entering someone's home to get to the garden is allowed, but the government suggests wearing a face covering to do so.

Can I visit the beach, park or local beauty spot?

Since March 8, people have been allow to leave their home for recreational outdoor time.

Rather than leaving the house once a day for exercise, people have been able to leave their homes to sit in a park or at the beach.

Since March 29, gatherings of either six people or two households have been allowed again so families or groups of friends are able to meet up for a walk or picnic.

The March 29 rules ask people to minimise travel, with the idea being to stay local.

The government's definition of local is "your village, town or the part of a city where you live".