AFTER more than a year, families and friends are finally allowed to hug each other again after coronavirus restrictions eased in England.

From today (May 17), people were allowed to meet in groups of six or two households - whichever is greater - as part of step three of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown.

The Prime Minister said the Government would let families and close friends make their own decisions on close contact, but urged people not to throw caution to the wind.

While many of us are eager to embrace each other again, there are ways to keep our loved ones safe as the battle against coronavirus continues.

The Journal has researched five ways to make hugging safer and this is what we discovered:

1-Who are you hugging?

Professor Cath Noakes, who sits on the Sage committee that advises the Government, said the risk will depend on who you hug.

Ms Noakes advised you could restrict hugging to your close family in an effort to stop the virus from spreading.

She told the BBC: "It would worry me if we were advocating we could hug all of our friends every time we meet them again.

"Perhaps don't hug everybody you know. If you are going to hug somebody, restrict it to very small numbers of close family who perhaps you would really value a hug from."

According to the charity Age UK, if you're hugging someone who is "particularly vulnerable to coronavirus - because of their age or other characteristics - you may want to be extra cautious".

This is important if none of you have had two doses of the game-changing jab.

2- Where are you hugging?

Hugging a relative or friend is believed to be safer outside or in well-ventilated rooms.

The roadmap out of lockdown stresses people must continue to follow the 'rule of six', or two households, if they choose to meet indoors.

To help make socialising safer, the Government document states people should minimise their group size and meet outdoors.

3- Hug quickly

Embraces that are short and not face-to-face with the person you're hugging are believed to be safer, according to Age UK.

This should reduce the chances of you breathing in each other's breath.

The charity also suggests if you want to be extra cautious, you can both wear masks while hugging.

4- Get tested

In an effort to make social contact safer, the Government has suggested the public should test themselves regularly.

This guidance still stands even if you don't have symptoms.

Free packs of rapid lateral flow tests that can be sent straight to your home are available to order on the Government's website.

5- Do both people want to hug?

Some of us will be keen to hug each other again, but it is important to respect others who may not feel ready to take this step just yet.

If you feel uncomfortable or nervous, don't feel pressurised to hug people yet.

If you're enthusiastic to embrace others, make sure the person you're having social contact with is happy with this.