PEOPLE can still meet with friends and family from outside their household in pub beer gardens the Government has now confirmed.

New rules on social gatherings in Greater Manchester to stop the spread of Covid-19 were announced last night.

Residents across the city region are no longer permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubbles) indoors or in gardens.

However, there were mixed messages about whether people could meet in beer gardens and other outside areas.

Now new official guidance has been issued by the UK Government.

It says: "You can continue to meet in public outdoor spaces including outdoor seating or beer gardens in groups of no more than 6 people, unless the group includes only people from 2 households.

"You cannot meet people you do not live with in a private garden.

"At all times, you should socially distance from people you do not live with – unless they are in your support bubble."

The same rule also applies to outdoor areas at cafes, restaurants and other outdoor seating.

However, according to the Government website, you should meet in groups of no more than six people, unless the group includes the group includes people from only two households.

"At all times, you should socially distance from people you do not live with - unless they are in your support bubble," the rules add.