Family and friends planning to meet this Easter are advised to stick to the lockdown rules, albeit the more eased ones.

Since Monday up to six people or two households have been allowed to meet outdoors but coronavirus is by no means gone from Dover district.

In the seven days up to last Saturday there were 35 new cases of Covid-19 in the area, a rate of 29.6 per 100,000 people.

A spokesman for Dover District Council said: "The stay at home rule was lifted on Monday as part of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.

"However, many restrictions remain in place and where possible, you should continue to work from home and minimise any journeys.

"The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. And this is why outdoor gatherings, including in private gardens, of either six people or two households are allowed."

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools are allowed to open and people can take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

There are still many restrictions despite the stay at home rule ending.

It is best for people to continue to work from home and they should minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

Travel abroad is still not allowed except for a reasonable excuse such as work.

The council explains that holidays abroad are particularly forbidden, to help prevent new variants crossing borders and to protect the vaccination programme.

The government has launched a new task force to review global travel, which will report on April 12.

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