BORIS Johnson was accused by Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas of “muddled messaging” during Sunday’s Stay Alert speech.

So we have decided to address some of the grey areas surrounding the new lockdown rules.

Perhaps the most anticipated announcement was the change surrounding meeting friends and family.

The new rules, which came into force on Wednesday, do allow this but with strict limitations. People can only meet with one person from outside their household at a time, it must be in a public space and they must stay two metres apart. So, no family get-togethers or front garden catch-ups yet.

Secondly, the updated guidelines do allow people to drive to outdoor spaces, beaches and beauty spots with members of their household.

But this does not mean it is time for a spontaneous trip to the Lake District.

Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council has urged people to “be reasonable” when deciding to leave the house and to avoid long trips where possible.

Public transport should also be avoided unless the journey is essential.

Another change to have been introduced on Wednesday was allowing people to take unlimited outdoor exercise. Golf courses, outdoor tennis and basketball courts can now be used. But this is no excuse for gathering a group of friends for a game of five-a-side, with social distancing guidelines and the same “one person at a time” limitation remaining in place.

Finally, many Brighton and Hove residents have been dying for a dip in the sea or sunbathe on the beach, with Mother Nature having taunted us with an unseasonal heatwave for much of the lockdown.

This was previously forbidden, but the new rules do allow for both activities.

Beach huts can also now be visited – so long as social distancing measures are observed.

But the RNLI has issued a plea for people to be careful, as beaches will not be watched over by lifeguards.