It promises to be an emotional time, with friends and family reunited after weeks of lockdown. For those in England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement the country is meeting five tests to allow the easing of restrictions means up to six people from different households can meet outdoors. Don't unpack the barbecue just yet, though, as the rules aren't being relaxed until Monday. Scotland's full lockdown ends today, allowing people from two different households to meet outdoors. It paves the way for the reopening of garden centres and tips, and the resumption of sport such as golf or tennis. However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is still urging people to "stay home as much as possible" and the government offers "strong advice" not to go further than five miles (8km).
Similar provisions allowing people from two households in Wales to meet outdoors will also be announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford later. However, they must also remain within five miles of home as a "general rule". And the new rules don't come into force until Monday. Northern Ireland is looking further ahead - to 8 June - with a view to allowing large retailers such as car showrooms and shops in retail parks to reopen. If the measures are approved next week, there could even be outdoor weddings with up to 10 people present. In all cases, officials will be monitoring the R number - the average number of people that one infected person passes the virus on to. And, when you do get back together with friends or relatives, remember you should still remain 2m (6ft 6in) apart.

While lockdown is being eased, the worlds of business and work remain far from normal. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveal the UK made just 197 cars in April - mostly high-end sports models that required only finishing touches - as the industry redirected its capability towards manufacturing protective equipment for healthcare workers.

Meanwhile, a cross-party group of 114 MPs is demanding an extension to lockdown support for self-employed workers. They qualify for a grant of 80% of their average profits, up to £2,500, for three months. But while the furlough scheme, which pays 80% of employed workers' wages, has been extended to October, help for the self-employed ends this weekend. In a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the MPs ask: "How can it be right for the furloughed scheme to continue but this scheme to not?”

It's back to school on Monday... or, at least, it is for a limited number of pupils in England. Our education editor Branwen Jeffreys answers questions from some of them about how school will look when they get back, and what happens if someone develops coronavirus when they get there. Meanwhile, Kirstie Brewer hears about the class WhatsApp groups divided over whether to send children back in, with parents being shamed over their decision. One mum who's tried to correct misinformation about the danger from coronavirus in schools says she's been "shot down" by others, with the implication she is a bad parent. "I'm trying to hold down a full-time job while also homeschooling two children - I find being judged by other parents on top of that very hard to deal with," she says.

There's an unusually celebratory tone to many front pages, in light of the various easing of lockdown restrictions in different parts of the UK. "It's Happy Monday," announces the Daily Mail, as it looks forward to groups of six people from different households being able to meet outdoors in England. "Form an orderly barbecue," suggests the Metro, before adding: "Not till Monday, only six of you, avoid the loo." While the Daily Express "can't wait till we meet again", it reminds us to spare a thought for those who won't be invited, pointing out that shielding advice for the most vulnerable remains in force. Meanwhile, the Sun's headline - "Back of the net!" - finds it rejoicing at the announcement English football's Premier League returns on 17 June. Read the full review.

From elsewhere

The Coronavirus Newscast indulges in The Joy of Six - that's the number of people permitted to meet, in England, from Monday - and hears from a charity shop boss about how to donate responsibly after your lockdown clear-out. Meanwhile, the Stumped podcast asks a psychologist how we can break habits, with one eye on the International Cricket Council's temporary ban on bowlers using saliva to shine the ball for more swing .

If you fancy some entertainment, Newsbeat assesses the latest season of Drag Race - possibly the most political and troubled one yet. Or you can read about the films to watch out for at the online festival replacing the cancelled Cannes, Toronto and Sundance events. And, as it's Friday, you can test your knowledge of events over the past seven days in our quiz of the week's news.