Below is an outline of all the new changes that are to be made on Monday. Remember, stay safe and that coronavirus has not gone away.
Friends and Relatives
From Saturday, households containing one person, or one adult and children, can form a ”support bubble’‘ with one other household. The second household can contain any number of people. People can already meet outside in groups of up to six people from different households. Permitted numbers of people includes children, and you should still follow social distancing – remaining 2m (6ft) apart from others. Unless those people are part of the same household or support bubble. The rules are different for people who are shielding.
Exercise The advice remains “stay at home” as much as possible. But the Government allows some non-contact outdoor sport. People in England can now exercise outside with up to five others from different households. This means, for example, that having a kickabout with a football in the park is now allowed in both countries. People must stay 2m (6ft) apart and practise good hand hygiene. Small groups of sports teams can also resume fitness sessions. Athletics, golf, horse riding and tennis are all allowed in England. Golf can be enjoyed everywhere. Households can also drive any distance in England to destinations such as parks and beaches. But they should still not travel to Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Quarantine Most people entering the UK – including British citizens – now have to self-isolate for 14 days. The Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential journeys. The Government advises all passengers to remain 2m (6ft) apart wherever possible. They should also consider wearing gloves and a face covering – which some UK airports and airlines have made compulsory.
Work People who can work from home in England should continue to do so “for the foreseeable future”. The Government encourages people who must travel to their workplace to walk, cycle or drive if possible. Public Transport is likely to become overcrowded and face social-distance queuing. Wearing a face covering on public transport will be mandatory in England from 15 June. Workplaces should be made safe for staff. Employers must ensure more cleaning, staggered working shifts and no hot-desking.
Working at Other Peoples Homes If you’re a cleaner or plumber, and need to enter someone else’s home for your job, you are allowed to return to work. You shouldn’t carry out work in the home of someone shielding or isolating because of Covid-19 symptoms. The only exception to this rule is if it’s a household emergency. In homes where someone is vulnerable, you should avoid face-to-face contact and follow strict hygiene rules.
Shielding People in England and Wales who have are to staying home and shield can now spend some time outdoors again. Those with families can go out once a day with members of their own household. People living alone can meet someone from another household while maintaining social distancing.
Moving House House moves and viewings have resumed again in England. Potential buyers and renters are able to visit show homes and view houses on the market to let or buy. Anyone who has already bought a new home can visit it to prepare for moving in.
Childminders and Nurseries Childminders and nannies in England can return to work – and the government has issued fresh guidance.
Schools and Universities Some primary schools in England have reopened for some children. Exact rules vary, but head teachers and local councils have been working out how best to minimise risks for pupils, staff and parents. Strict hygiene and social distancing is being enforced. This includes smaller class sizes, staggered breaks and frequent hand washing. But, the government’s plan for all primary school years in England to go back to class for the final four weeks of the summer term is now being dropped. Instead, the Government will give schools “flexibility” over whether to admit more pupils. From 15 June, he government says schools will be able to have face-to-face contact with Year 10 and 12 pupils. This is in addition to their “continued remote, home learning”. But, at the Downing Street briefing, Matt Hancock conceded that secondary schools may not fully reopen until September. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty over whether students will be able to go to university in person in September.
High Street Shopping All non-essential retailers can reopen in England from 15 June, if they put in place social distancing measures. Outdoor markets and car showrooms can now reopen if they are “Covid-secure”. Garden centres are now back open across the UK. DIY chains – some of which stayed open throughout the lockdown – have also reopened many of their shops.
Hairdressers, pubs and cafes The Government will allow Zoos, safari parks, drive-in cinemas and other outdoor attractions to reopen in England from 15 June. Places of worship will also be allowed to reopen for private prayer shortly although not for services or events. Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, hotels and cinemas will open from 4 July at the earliest in England. But, indoor public spaces such as beauty salons, where social distancing may be difficult, could reopen later.