FRESH NEW LOOK
A NEW Covid slogan has been unveiled to remind Brits "not to sneak indoors" as lockdown restrictions ease.
The "Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air" message will be beamed across the nation from today, warning of the dangers of gathering inside.
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It forms part of a new public information campaign, stressing the importance of ventilation in reducing the spread of the virus.
It replaces the old government Stay at Home' tagline which ordered Brits to remain local and only leave the house if essential.
A former chief scientific adviser to the Government has stressed the need for Brits to follow the new advice.
Professor Sir Mark Walport told Times Radio: "We know now that airborne transmission is the most important way which this virus transmits and clearly when you're outside it gets blown away much more easily.
"And it's one of the reasons that summer is a safer time for most respiratory viruses.
"We have just come out of a time of year when it takes people a certain amount of persuasion to be outside.
"The bottom line is, there is still quite a lot of infection about and we need to emphasise to people that the relax in the restrictions is outdoors and it doesn't give people an excuse to sneak into the house."
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The public are being reminded they must stay outside when meeting others as part of the next step of easing Covid restrictions in a new film released today narrated by telly GP Dr Hilary Jones.
The video highlights the impact of fresh air on reducing the risk of transmission and how "outdoors the risk of infection is significantly lower".
This is because "fresh dilutes the virus particles and can blow them away".
The film also urges people to "be assertive" and say no to joining a large group of more than six or feeling pressured to go indoors with people outside your bubble.
The new rules, which come into force today, will see friends and families reunited and team sports resume in a major easing of England's coronavirus lockdown to allow far greater freedom outdoors.
Groups of up to six, or two households, can socialise in parks and gardens once more, while outdoor sports facilities can reopen.
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Boris Johnson stressed that "we must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout", while warm weather is excepted to accompany the relaxation.
"Despite today's easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called," the Prime Minister added.
Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs are now free to reopen after months of being shuttered.
Organised team sports can also resume outdoors, meaning grassroots competitions can take place ahead of the Easter break without the need for social distancing.
Restrictions were eased as official figures showed more than 30 million people in the UK have received a first vaccine dose, accounting for about 57 per cent of all adults.
Mr Johnson said he hopes the easing will "kick-start a Great British summer of sport" as sports stars teamed up with the Government to encourage a return to physical activity.
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But Brits are reminded to stick to the rules and remain outside.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the progress of the vaccine roll-out "must be protected", adding "when you meet others do so outdoors and keep a safe distance".
Chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty added: "The evidence is very clear that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors. It is important to remember this as we move into the next phase."
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In Wales, the "stay local" order ended on Saturday and people were allowed to stay in self-contained holiday accommodation.
The stay home order in Scotland is to end on Friday, while in Northern Ireland up to six people, or two households, will be able to meet outdoors from Thursday.
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While greater outdoor freedoms are now permitted, the Government is still advising people to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys they take.
The next step in the roadmap to easing England's lockdown is April 12, which is earmarked for non-essential shops to reopen and for outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants.
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