Up to six people can meet outdoors and in private gardens from Monday, the Prime Minister has announced.

At the government’s daily briefing, Boris Johnson outlined the dramatic shift in coronavirus lockdown rules.

People are being reminded to follow social distancing to avoid localised outbreaks in the North West and the rest of the country.

It follows the announcement that from Monday, nurseries and primary schools will reopen to some children.

The Prime Minister said: “I know the toll that lockdown has taken on families and friends who have been unable to see each other.

“So, from Monday we will allow up to six people to meet outside - provided those from different households continue strictly to observe social distancing rules by staying two metres apart.

“At the moment, as you know, people can meet in parks but not in private gardens.

"This was a cautious first step - but we know that there is no difference in the health risk.

“So, we will now allow people to meet in gardens and other private outdoor spaces.”

Mr Johnson warned, however, that local outbreaks across the UK were likely and some towns may face a new set of lockdown measures.

“I must stress that to control the virus, everyone needs to stay alert, act responsibly, strictly observe social distancing rules, and stay two metres apart from those who you do not live with,” he said.

“Minimising contact with others is still the best way to prevent transmission. You should also try to avoid seeing people from too many households in quick succession.”

The government has also has given the green light to dentists to resume normal services.

NHS England and the Chief Dental Officer confirmed today that practices can provide face-to-face patient care from 8 June.

New data revealed at the briefing, however, shows that around 8,000 people each day are being infected with coronavirus.