The government has urged people to return to work and businesses to reopen to try to prevent economic meltdown, despite Boris Johnson's warning of a fresh wave of coronavirus in Europe.
At the same time, measures have been introduced to try to reign in the spread of the disease, such as compulsory face coverings on public transport and in supermarkets, shops and petrol stations. Face coverings are “strongly encouraged” in other enclosed spaces.
But with the lockdown that began on 24 March having been eased, allowing more social contacts, the approach has led to some confusion among the public over what people may and may not do.
The head of the British Medical Association has told The Independent that ministers’ mixed messaging and lack of a “systemic approach” to Covid-19 was behind a recent rise in cases.
Here’s a round-up of the latest official guidance in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate rules.
What is opening and when?
Last weekend, sports facilities including gyms, fitness and dance studios, indoor swimming pools and indoor water parks, were allowed to reopen.
From Saturday 1 August:
- employers will have discretion, in consultation with staff, on how to ensure people can work safely. This may be working from home, but workplaces can be made safe by following Covid-19 Secure guidelines.
- the clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer need to follow advice on shielding, but should still be careful to follow social distancing guidelines when meeting people
- bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos may open
- conference centres may reopen for trial runs only of business events
- indoor performances with live audiences may take place, subject to pilot tests
- tests of larger events may take place, including in sports stadiums
- wedding receptions with sit-down meals for no more than 30 people may be held, subject to Covid-19 Secure rules
- all other close-contact services, such as facial treatment and make-up application, may restart, in line with the guidelines
From Tuesday 1 September:
- schools, nurseries and colleges will open for all children and young people
- universities should be able to reopen
From Thursday 1 October, if prevalence of the coronavirus remains around or below current levels, audiences will be allowed in stadiums, and conferences and other business events will be allowed to restart
From November, ministers say they want to scale back remaining social-distancing measures, depending on circumstances.
What should we still avoid doing?
- socialising indoors with more than two households. This includes when dining out or going to the pub
- socialising outdoors in a group of more than six people from different households. Gatherings larger than six may take place only if everyone is from strictly from two households or support bubbles
- interacting with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant or place of worship
- holding or attending parties where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, even if organisers try to follow Covid-19 Secure guidelines. It is against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes, including gardens and other outdoor spaces
- staying overnight away from your home with members of more than one other household (a support bubble counts as one household)
What events may now be held and how may people mix?
Businesses and venues following Covid-19 Secure guidelines can host larger groups provided they comply with the law, including weddings and funerals – which should have no more than 30 people – religious services and support groups.
Anyone attending a place or event away from home should limit interactions with anyone outside their group and maintain social distancing.
Anyone showing coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate, stay at home and get a test, as should members of their household or support bubble.
What must remain closed by law?
Nightclubs, dance halls, discotheques, sexual entertainment venues and hostess bars, and indoor play areas, including soft-play areas, must remain closed.
How does a local lockdown affect people?
Leicester is currently in a local lockdown, with separate rules on how people may mix with other here.
Both the government and local authorities may impose a range of restrictions, from closing down individual premises to preventing people from going to a particular outdoor space. Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Wrexham and Northampton are all thought to be at risk of going into local lockdowns.
Can I visit people indoors?
The government says up to two households may meet indoors (a support bubble counts as one household) but people should continue to socially distance. People in a support bubble do not need to socially-distance.
Everyone should try to limit the numbers of people they see – especially over short periods of time and indoors.
How many people may I meet outdoors?
You may meet in groups of up to six people with whom you do not live, under the current rules.
But you may also meet people in groups of more than six people if everyone is exclusively from two households. There is more information about what you may and may not do here.
Can I visit a clinically vulnerable person?
Clinically vulnerable people should take particular care to avoid contact with others. Although they may meet people both outdoors and indoors, everyone should be especially careful about social distancing and hand hygiene.
You may also visit a clinically vulnerable person inside if you are providing care, but not if you have coronavirus symptoms. Wherever possible, you should stay socially distant from others, use a tissue when sneezing and dispose of it safely, cough into the crook of your elbow and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Can I use public transport if I’m seeing friends outdoors?
The government says you should walk or cycle if possible but if not, you may use public transport or drive. If you use public transport, you must wear a face covering and follow the guidance for passengers.
May I stay overnight in someone else’s home?
Yes, but anyone doing so should maintain social distancing with your hosts and others. Wash hands and surfaces, and avoid using shared bathrooms where possible.
Nobody from a third household may stay overnight at the same time.
Can I gather in larger groups for any reason?
You may socialise in groups of up to two households indoors and outdoors, or up to six people from different households when outdoors.
But you can meet in larger groups if necessary for work, voluntary or charitable services, education, childcare, elite sporting competition or training, to fulfil legal obligations, to give emergency assistance, or to enable someone to avoid illness, injury or harm. In these cases, people must follow strict social-distancing guidelines.
Otherwise, gatherings of more than 30 people in private homes including gardens are illegal.
Can I look after my grandchildren?
Only if it is possible to socially distance from your grandchildren, the government says. If you have formed a support bubble with your grandchildren’s household – which is allowed if either you or they live are a ‘single adult household’ – social distancing is not necessary.
Are there restrictions on how far I can travel?
People may travel irrespective of distance, but you should take hygiene and safety precautions if using services on the way.
Anyone returning from abroad must by law self-isolate for 14 days, unless coming from one of the countries listed here.
Will public lavatories and playgrounds reopen?
This is up to local councils. If you use these facilities, you should practise social distancing and wash your hands thoroughly.
Outdoor playgrounds are also able to reopen but anyone using them should carefully wash their hands afterwards and avoid touching their face. Children should be supervised.
Can I pray in a place of worship?
Yes, but worshippers are advised to limit social interaction to their own household and up to one other. Strict social distancing is strongly advised.
Can I attend a club or support group?
Yes, but it is important to maintain social distancing and good hand hygiene and people should limit interactions with those they don’t live with.
Can I go to a pub or restaurant with people I don’t live with?
Yes, but people should follow guidance on groups: up to two households indoors; and up to either two households or six people from more than two households outdoors.
To socially distance as much as possible, plan where to sit at a table.
Can I go to the theatre or a concert?
Outdoor performances are permitted but you should be seated only with members of one other household.
From Saturday indoor performances to a live audience can begin, in line with guidelines, subject to the successful completion of pilot schemes.
People should avoid environments that require them to raise their voice to communicate.
When will I be able to go to a football match?
The government says if coronavirus prevalence remains around or below current levels in the autumn, this will be allowed from 1 October.
Do I have to wear a face mask in public?
Face coverings are mandatory on public transport, and in shops, supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, banks and post offices. People are also strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces.
If if you have a legitimate reason not to wear one, such as a physical or mental illness it is not necessary in law to carry evidence of your condition.
Who is allowed to go to work?
From Saturday, it will be up to employers as to how staff can work safely. Employers should consult staff and must ensure workplaces are safe if they are asking them to return.
Businesses should follow measures to ensure their workplaces are safe.These include how to keep as many people as possible safely apart.
Do I need to stay 2 metres apart – or 1 metre?
People should either stay 2 metres apart or ‘1 metre-plus’, which means wearing a face covering and washing or sanitising their hands regularly.
It may also include installing screens, making sure people face away from each other, and minimising the time you spend with people.
People who can work from home should continue to do so.
Anyone concerned that their employer is not taking all practical steps to promote social distancing may report this to the local authority or the Health and Safety Executive.
Employers and employees should come to a pragmatic agreement, but individuals needing advice on disputes can contact Acas.
