Change to COVID restrictions across England
From 19 July, restrictions are easing in England but some recommendations will stay as COVID cases are still rising.
We should all continue to act carefully and remain cautious. The key things to remember are:
- Test when you have symptoms and use targeted asymptomatic testing in education, high risk workplaces and to help people manage their personal risk.
- Isolate when positive or when contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
- Border quarantine: for all arriving from red list countries and for those people not fully vaccinated arriving from amber list countries.
- A gradual return to offices and places of work over the summer.
- The Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
- Meet outside where you can or let fresh air in.
- Minimise the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
- Use the NHS COVID Pass in high risk settings, and when asked to at large events such as music or sports events.
What is changing?
Most legal restrictions to control COVID-19 have been lifted. This means that:
- You do not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with. There are also no limits on the number of people you can meet.
- However, in order to minimise risk at a time of high prevalence, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with, and increase close contact gradually. This includes minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
- You should meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.
- The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can. However, they expects and recommend 'a gradual return over the summer'.
- The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, 'the Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport'.
- There are no longer limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and other life events (including receptions and celebrations). There is no requirement for table service at life events, or restrictions on singing or dancing. You should follow guidance for weddings and funerals to reduce risk and protect yourself and others.
- There are no longer restrictions on group sizes for attending communal worship. COVID-19 has not gone away, so it’s important to remember the actions you can take to keep yourself and others safe.
Image credit: Sergiu Valena, Unsplash
