England eases coronavirus lockdown as COVID-19 infections drop to six-month low

England has embarked on a major easing of its latest coronavirus lockdown, with families and friends able to meet in outdoor spaces and many sports permitted once again. 

The changes coincided with unseasonably warm spring weather, as temperatures in southern England were tipped to reach a near-record top of 24 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

England relaxed restrictions that came into force at the start of the year.

Groups of up to six, or two households, are now able to socialise in parks and gardens, while…