People are being urged not to rely on antigen tests before meeting up next week.
The easing of restrictions on Monday allows 3 households to meet outdoors in groups of up to 6.
The "vaccine bonus" also takes effect - meaning fully vaccinated people can meet unvaccinated people from one household indoors.
The Chief Medical Officer has warned people not to buy antigen tests on sale in supermarkets due to concerns over how reliable they are.
Dr Ray Walley is part of the GP Expert Advisory Group on Covid.
Dr Walley says those test kits shouldn't be relied on when meeting up with people. Instead, people should focus on meeting up outdoors and maintaining social distancing.