So have the rules really changed?

[Artus]

My social media has several posts quoting some alleged guidance from the police on what constitutes acceptable reasons for leaving the house. For example to buy a daily paper, to visit a friend to cool off after a row (but not family?), and to drive a short distance to exercise.

This seems different to the government messages but being seized on by everyone as a relaxation, whereas I thought it was just guidance to police to be consistent when taking action.

I think everyone will have far more excuses for going out now. Have a "row" and see your mates.

The Regulations - the law - has not changed. The guidance (which is not legally binding although usually a good idea to follow it) has slightly altered.

Ths is the law www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/350/contents/made eg you can go out any number of times you like to exercise.

You are right. It’s just guidance for forces because some of them are apparently too thick to understand.

With my tinfoil hat on, I suspect these new guidelines are designed to encourage more people out of the house to get herd immunity.

Some of them definitely are too thick understand, while others get a massive ego trip going through some old persons shopping and trying to issue fines, hopefully the guidance will help clarify the guidelines. However, I would imagine some will still need the rules explaining to them a few times