“There are still strict rules in place and we must follow them” - that’s what Buckinghamshire’s Director of Public Health is reminding residents who may be gathering this Easter weekend.

The relaxation of coronavirus restrictions means that as of Monday, March 29, up to six people from individual households or two separate households can meet up outdoors, including in private gardens.

Many will be hoping for sunny weather this Easter bank holiday so friends and families can meet up, but Dr Jane O’Grady is urging caution.

She said: “We are all desperately keen to see our friends and families again and many of us will be hoping for good weather over the long Easter weekend so we can meet up.

“The slight easing of restrictions on who we can meet and where will be welcomed by many but we must remember that there are still strict rules in place and we must follow them.

“The majority of cases at the moment are from the new strains of the virus which are more infectious and thought to be more likely to cause severe illness.

“We must make sure we continue to follow the rules by not meeting in larger groups.

“Also if meeting in a private garden and the weather takes a turn for the worse, don’t be tempted to slip indoors, this is not allowed.”

Even those who have been vaccinated must still follow the rules. As one in three people with Covid-19 do not have symptoms, anyone hoping to attend communal services at places of worship can take a rapid test at one of the council’s sites in Amersham, High Wycombe, Aylesbury or Buckingham.

Dr O’Grady added: “The time for further relaxation of the restrictions will come and if we all stick to the rules now, this will happen sooner. By bending the rules or choosing to ignore them, we risk increasing the spread of Covid-19 and delaying further lockdown easing which nobody wants to see.

“We’ve done a good job of reducing case rates in the past few months so thank you to everyone for their efforts. However rates are still higher today than they were at the lowest point last year. Let’s keep up the good work for a while longer and make sure our hard work is not undone.”