Families meet up in Wakefield for first time in months

From Monday groups of six or fewer or two households were allowed to meet outdoors, though households must not mix indoors.

Outdoor sport and leisure facilities will open while organised outdoor sport will be allowed. Outdoor parent and child groups can take place with up to 15 parents.

However the rules state that travel should be minimised and holidays are not allowed.

The relaxation of the rules is part of the government’s lockdown roadmap plan, which will continue as long as infection rates stay down and the vaccination programme continues.

It has meant people being able to spend time together at beauty spots in the district.

Readers commented on our Facebook page and shared pictures of their meetings with loved ones.

Amanda Lovell said: “Visited my mum and dad for the first time since October. Took their Christmas pressies. Priceless.”

Ellie Brown said: “I’ve been doing the Walk All Over Cancer challenge through March to support my friend who is fighting bowel cancer. We will meet on Wednesday, the last day as she is finally fit to have a little walk too.”

Clare Lovatt shared a picture of her daughter’s first one-to- one cricket session since the lockdown.

Experts have urged caution as the rate of infection for the district has slightly increased from the previous week. Wakefield Council said some of the larger country parks in the district will be extremely busy over Easter Bank Holiday and asked people to use their local green spaces.

Glynn Humphries, corporate director for communities, environment and climate change at Wakefield Council said: “I hope everyone has fantastic break, but please enjoy yourselves safely. We have many fantastic spaces across our district, and if we stay local, we can all help to support the goal of reducing Covid-19 cases, by driving down transmission in our district.

“The last 12 months have been challenging but we need to keep going, by following the guidance of hands, face and space – washing our hands regularly, using a face covering where appropriate, and keeping a safe distance from others.

“By visiting parks and green spaces locally, this Easter we can all help to protect others.”