As the restrictions begin to change, guidance will be updated for each step. It is important that restrictions are changed slowly and carefully to protect the NHS and save lives in the future, while minimising the risk of a second peak and preventing long term damage to people’s livelihoods.
Each step being taken to change the restrictions is based on scientific evidence provided by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
The full list of steps, including what will open and what will remain closed, can be found here.
As of 4 July, England is in Step Three of the Government’s timetable.
Advice for Workers
People should continue to work from home wherever possible, rather than in their physical workspace. The Government is working to redesign physical spaces such as workplaces and public areas to make them better equipped for people to safely begin using them again in future.
If you cannot work from home and your workplace is open, you may travel to work. This includes in food production, construction, manufacturing, logistics and distribution, as well as scientific research and laboratories. Check here if you should return to work.
Hospitality venues, such as bars and restaurants, and hairdressers among other businesses may open as of 4 July where social distancing can be observed. More information can be read here.
If travelling to work, avoid public transport where possible. If you must use public transport, you must be strict in your social distancing and must wear a face covering on public transport.
Advice on Going Outside and Meeting Other People
As of 4 July, two households in England will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures, and that people can now enjoy staycations in England with the reopening of accommodation sites.
From 6 July, those who are shielding will be able to meet in groups of up to six other people from outside their household while maintaining social distancing and can form a, 'support bubble', with one other household.
When you go outside for any reason, you should continue to:
- Keep your distance (two metres) from people outside of your household
- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, and avoid touching your face
- Avoid facing people outside your household – you can lower the risk of transmission by staying side-to-side and two-metres apart, or at least one metre apart if two metres is not possible in that setting.
- Avoid crowds
- Avoid public transport
- Wash your clothes as regularly as possible, as the virus can live for short periods on fabric
You should not visit “close proximity” venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas, which remain closed for now.
Advice on Schools and Childcare
The Government has begun a phased reopening of schools. Please click here to read my statement on the reopening of schools.
Guidance for paid childcare, such as nannies and childminders, is being updated. This will allow for parents to increasingly go back to work where necessary, but childcare must remain safe and in line with public health advice.
Advice for the Vulnerable
Those who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable and are currently shielding, will have been contacted by the NHS and the National Shielding Service. From 6 July, those who are shielding will be able to meet in groups of up to six other people from outside their household while maintaining social distancing and can form a, 'support bubble', with one other household.
For those who need assistance while shielding with everyday activities, sourcing food or essential medicine, the Government is increasing its support available.
If you have any further concerns, or are worried about someone you know, please contact your GP or healthcare specialist.
Guidance on Travel:
Travel guidance remains unchanged. The Government has introduced measures for mandatory 14-day quarantine for arrivals to the UK.