Government Advice

Updated 11th May

The Government published its COVID-19 recovery strategy on 11^th May with the aim of the plan to “return life to as close to normal as possible, for an many people as possible as fast and fairly as possible in a way that avoids a new epidemic, minimises lives lost and maximises, health, economic and social outcomes”

More announcements will be made over the coming weeks and restrictions may be tightened if data suggests virus is spreading.

Social contact is still limited and good hygiene practices: hand washing, social distancing and regular disinfecting of surfaces touched by others are still essential.

If you have symptoms or are diagnosed with Covid-19 you must self isolate for 7 days (longer if you still have a temperature). If someone in your household has symptoms must self isolate for 14 days. Read more here

The clinically vulnerable, those over 70 with pre-existing conditions and pregnant women should take particular care to minimise contact with those outside their household. The clinically extremely vulnerable, anyone who has received a letter from the NHS, their GP or clinician should continue to shield.

From Wednesday 13^th May

• Workers should continue to work from home rather than their normal physical workplace, wherever possible. Workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open. People are encouraged to cycle, walk or drive rather than use public transport to get to work. Workplaces should follow the Covid-19 Secure guidelines.
• Garden centres can open.
• Social distancing guidance on public transport must be followed (further guidance to be provided this week) 
• People should wear a face-covering (not face mask) in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible, eg on public transport or in some shops. Children under 2, people with respiratory issues or young children are not required to wear face coverings. This is to prevent people without symptoms spreading the virus. 
• People can spend time outdoors, including sitting on benches, picnicking or sunbathing
• You can meet up with one person from outside your household as long as you remain 2m apart and follow good hand hygiene.
• You can exercise outside as many times each day as you wish, including golf, fishing and tennis. You can do this with members of your household OR one person from outside your household, as long as you stay 2m apart.
• You can drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance, but not to different parts of the UK. Social distancing guidance must still be followed. 
• With a few limited exceptions, all international arrivals will be required to self isolate for 14 days. The date this will come into effect is to be announced.

From 1 June the Government hopes to allow:

• Non essential retail to open in phases, following COVID-19 Secure Guidelines
• A phased return to school for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. Schools and colleges with pupils in years 10 and 12 should offer some face to face contact as well as remote, home learning. The government would like all primary school children to be able to return to school before the summer for a month if possible
• Cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed doors
• More public transport to open
• Small wedding ceremonies

From 4 July the Government hopes to

• Allow hairdressers, beauty salons, restaurants, pubs, accommodation, worship facilities and leisure facilities (eg cinemas) re-open, subject to meeting COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

Government advice on staying safe outside the home (this does not apply to people who are clinically vulnerable or extremely vulnerable)

• Keep your distance from people outside your household. The key thing is to not be too close to people for more than a short amount of time, as much as you can.
• Keep your hands and face as clean as possible.
• Work from home if you can. If your workplace is open and you cannot work from home, you can travel to work.
• Avoid being face to face with people if they are outside your household. Stay 2m apart and side-to-side rather than facing people can reduce the risk of infection.
• Reduce the number of people you spend time within a work setting where you can.
• Avoid crowds.
• If you have to travel (to work or school, for example) try and avoid peak times.
• Wash your clothes regularly.
• Keep indoor places well ventilated.
• If you can, wear a face covering (not face mask) if you are in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible, such as on public transport or in some shops.
• Follow the advice given to you by your employer when at work.