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What can I do that I couldn’t do before?There will be a limited number of things you can do on that you cannot do now:
At all times, should continue to observe social distancing guidelines when you are outside your home, including ensuring you are 2 metres away from anyone outside your household. As with before, you cannot:
If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives. I don’t have to stay at home anymore?You should stay at home as much as possible. The reasons you may leave home include:
These reasons are exceptions and a fuller list is set out in the regulations. Even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent away from the home and ensuring that you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household. Can I meet my friends and family in the park?You can meet one other person from outside your household if you are outdoors. Public gatherings of more than 2 people from different households are prohibited in law. There are no limits on gatherings in the park with members of your household. You can find more information on a range of activities and outdoor exercise here. |
Does easing restrictions apply to healthy 70 year olds and over?The advice for those aged 70 and over continues to be that they should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household. If they do go out more frequently, they should be careful to maintain distance from others. They and everyone should continue to comply with any general social distancing restrictions. We know that those aged 70 and over can be absolutely fit and healthy and it’s not the case that everybody over 70 has a chronic health condition or an underlying disease. But unfortunately, we also know that as you get older, there is a higher risk of coronavirus having a more serious impact with infection. Complications and deaths are more common in the elderly, even those without pre-existing conditions. Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do this until at least the end of June. How long will shielding be in place?We’ve advised individuals with very specific medical conditions to shield until the end of June and to do everything they can to stay at home. This is because we believe they are likely to be at the greatest risk of serious complications from coronavirus. We know this is challenging guidance to follow, which is why we have a support scheme in place to provide help with access to food and basic supplies, care, medicines and social support. We are keeping the guidance to shielded people under review. |
Who is allowed to go to work?In the first instance, employers should make every effort to support working from home, including by providing suitable IT and equipment as they have been already. This will apply to many different types of businesses, particularly those who typically would have worked in offices or online. Where work can only be done in the workplace, we have set out tailored guidelines for employers to help protect their workforce and customers from coronavirus while still continuing to trade or getting their business back up and running. We will be publishing even more detailed COVID-19 secure guidelines in the coming days, which has been developed in consultation with businesses and trades unions. These ‘back to work’ guidelines apply to those in essential retail like:
Non-essential retail, restaurants, pubs, bars, gyms and leisure centres will remain closed. They will reopen in a phased manner provided it is safe to do so. |
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Face coverings are not compulsory. However, if you can, people are advised to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not possible or where you are more likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet. For example, on public transport or in some shops. Face coverings can help us protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms. A face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers; these should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace such as health and care workers and those in industrial settings like those exposed to dust hazards. |
Who is allowed to travel on public transport?If you cannot work from home and have to travel to work, or if you must make an essential journey, you should cycle or walk wherever possible. Before you travel on public transport, consider if your journey is necessary and if you can, stay local. Try to reduce your travel. This will help keep the transport network running and allows people who need to make essential journeys to travel. We’ll be setting out further guidance for passengers with more advice on how to stay safe during your journeys later this week. Should people wear face coverings on public transport?If you can, wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example on public transport or in some shops. The evidence suggests that face coverings can help us protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms. If people choose to wear them, we are asking people to make their own face coverings at home, using scarves or other textile items. We are publishing guidance to help illustrate the process. We urge the public not to purchase medical or surgical masks as these should be reserved for health and social care workers. Can I use public transport to get to green spaces?You should avoid using public transport wherever possible. |
Can children go back to early years settings, schools or university?We initially urge those who are currently eligible to use school provision (children of critical workers and vulnerable children) to attend. As soon as it is safe to do so we will bring more year groups back to school in a phased way when it is safe to have larger numbers of children within schools, but not before. Keeping children and staff safe is our utmost priority. Schools should prepare to begin opening for more children from 1 June. The government expects children to be able to return to early years settings, and for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 to be back in school in smaller class sizes from this point. Secondary schools and further education colleges should also prepare to begin some face to face contact with Year 10 and 12 pupils who have key exams next year, in support of their continued remote, home learning. The government’s ambition is for all primary school children to return to school before the summer for a month if feasible. How will you make sure it is safe?Schools can now operate if they are organised in a way that is compatible with minimising the spread of the virus. The next phase of measures will require the development of new safety standards to set out how physical spaces, including schools, can be adapted to operate safely. We will publish guidance advising schools on reopening to ensure schools can adequately prepare for the next phase. One of the main protective measures we can take to reduce transmission is to have small consistent group and class sizes. Will children have to wear face coverings at school?No this will not be required. We will publish further advice on protective measures in schools in the coming weeks. |
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The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, for as many people as we can, as quickly and fairly as possible in order to safeguard livelihoods, but in a way that is safe and continues to protect our NHS. The government has published staying safe outside your home for guidance on what the new rules will mean. These will take effect on Wednesday. Click on the link for further information. Please note that further guidance on safe workplaces, reopening schools and travelling safely will all be published later today. Guidance on borders will follow later this week. |
A 25,000-strong team of contact tracers are tracking down close contacts of people with coronavirus.
The US has seen more deaths (currently 100,047) and infections (1.69 million) than any other country.
Lockdown has inspired mass clear outs but charities ask customers to be selective with donation.
How one of London’s Asian communities and its hospital copes with death during the coronavirus pandemic.
A review of the lockdown in Scotland is expected to give the green light to a slight lifting of restrictions.
President Trump and his likely presidential challenger Joe Biden clash over the humble face covering.
More than 70 industry bosses say a 14-day quarantine will put visitors off coming to the UK.
The two-month classical music festival will combine archive recordings and live performances.
The latest dispute comes after Twitter added fact-check links to the president's tweets for the first time.
Despite serving in the Army for more than a decade, Taitusi Ratucaucau is ineligible for NHS treatment.
A late decision is made to delay the first astronaut launch to orbit from US soil in nine years.
Thursday's newspapers look at a new NHS tracing scheme and share the latest on the Dominic Cummings row.
Professional and Olympic athletes have had to devise ways to continue their rigorous training.
Residents of Sonning have been re-enacting a classic comedy sketch in their village's quiet streets.
Even though she can't meet them face-to-face, Katherine is still supporting her homeless clients.
Sirine Jahangir, who lost her sight at the age of 10, impressed the celebrity judges at her audition.
The family of Sunaina Paul, 31, had appealed for more black, Asian and minority ethnic organ donors.
The 2020 National Rugby League season is resuming, with post-lockdown safety measures.
Nurse Sarah Balsdon bought a vending machine, filled it with snacks, then paid her children for chores.
98-year-old Rebecca Parker is playing the piano for 100 days to raise money for the NHS
Pte Harry Cole wrote the letter to his mother just before he was killed but it never made it back.
More than 100,000 people have died and the country is now slowly reopening amid fears of new spikes.
Covid-inspired attacks on East Asian people in the US reveal uncomfortable truths about American identity.
A large decline in advertising expenditure is hurting the sector, plus TV channels and newspapers.
Carers reveal the hidden spread of Covid-19 and official numbers appear not to tell the whole story.
Tracee Ellis Ross says it's "absurd" that women over 50 have ever been "counted out".
A coordinated network of accounts on three social networks has been targeting the Chinese government's critics.
Once part of the group behind the Bali bombing, now Ali Fauzi is on a mission to end terror.
Concern mounts about Guinea-Bissau commitment to curb drug trafficking, writes Ricci Shyrock.
Premier League clubs agree to resume contact training as four more individuals across three teams test positive for coronavirus.
The SPFL board will host divisional meetings from next Monday to discuss Hearts' league reconstruction proposal.
Captain Eoin Morgan says it needs "more time" before Alex Hales returns to the England side, saying he could have "derailed" last year's World Cup bid.
Formula 1's plan for cost-cutting measures is approved by the sport's governing body the FIA.
Liverpool want Wolves winger, David Luiz may leave Arsenal soon, Chelsea interested in Argentina full-back, plus more.
RB Leipzig miss a chance to go second in the Bundesliga as they concede late on to draw at home with Hertha Berlin.
Become a selector for the day and decide who makes the best Test team in the world.
Changes have been announced to guidelines in England on exercise and social distancing.
What are the tests for coronavirus, who are they for and how do they work?
Millions in the UK will soon be asked to monitor who they have been near to combat coronavirus.
Non-essential shops can reopen in England next month, but will I be able to buy a book or have a haircut?
Key graphics explaining how coronavirus has spread in the UK and the government's response.
How will social and work life be different after the easing of some restrictions in England?
The UK PM's most senior adviser has responded to accusations that he broke lockdown rules - what did he say?
From one way systems to not touching everything on the shelves - shopping will look very different.
The prime minister's chief adviser says his vision was affected by coronavirus.
Key maps and charts explaining how the respiratory virus has spread around the world and how it is being dealt with.
A look at the guidance as Downing Street backs Dominic Cummings over his 260-mile lockdown trip.
Members of the public have expressed anger after the PM's chief adviser travelled to Durham in lockdown.
The PM's chief adviser told a press conference he wanted to "clear up confusion" amid calls for him to resign.
As countries take extreme measures keep the economy afloat, could we see negative interest rates?
If coronavirus can be transferred on to surfaces, what are the risks of buying food?
Bus and train operators are reducing services and increasing cleaning.
What do you need to know if you're planning to fly during the Covid-19 pandemic?
BBC's Health Correspondent Laura Foster explains what we know currently about how children are affected by the virus.
How does it work when a government wants to borrow money, and when does it have to pay it back?
How the loss of the Amazon goes beyond deforestation - and what the nine countries that share this natural resource are doing to protect it.
Gloucestershire pay tribute to their former captain and chairman Tony Brown after his death aged 83.
Refuge says the lockdown can aggravate abusive behaviour as website traffic surged in a fortnight.
A date for non-essential shops in England to reopen has been given, but not for Wales.
A top scientist criticises the staging of the Cheltenham Festival and Liverpool's Champions League tie.
Peggy Fisher, who built the fighter aircraft in Gloucester during the Second World War, celebrated with family and friends.
Renowned conductor Jonathan Smith is described in court by his victim as a "destroyer of souls".
Loughborough University student Ben Brown, 22, who was in his final year, died last month.
From one way systems to not touching everything on the shelves - shopping will look very different.
You may have heard the term N95 but what does it mean and why are some masks rated higher than others?
Key graphics explaining how coronavirus has spread in the UK and the government's response.
Millions in the UK will soon be asked to monitor who they have been near to combat coronavirus.
What are the tests for coronavirus, who are they for and how do they work?
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1. How to become a good mentor. Leaders must be good at judging others’ potential and finding and developing more leaders - good at discerning where a person is, knowing where he or she is supposed to go and providing what they will need when they get there. The bottom line in any successful organisation is that no one person can do it alone. If you really want to be an effective leader you must establish an effective team. Here are some guidelines for selecting the right people to mentor and develop. MORE>> 2. How work can change, post-pandemic. The global pandemic has upended working life for vast portions of the professional world, forcing millions of people to quickly adapt to remote work and fresh challenges of all kinds. But despite the dire circumstances, this crisis may help us see how work can change for the better. Employers may embrace the benefits of flexible, remote work. Business leaders may become more adept at quickly shifting strategic gears to adapt to new circumstances. And now that our colleagues have gained a glimpse into our personal lives via video meetings, we may grow more comfortable showing more of our self at work. Editor 3. Britons in lockdown exhibit one of three mental states. The response of Britons in lockdown can be divided into three categories - accepting, suffering or resisting, according to new research by a team at King’s College London. The experts say that 48% of people accept their confinement, 44% suffer because of it, and 9% resist the lockdown. Young people were the most likely be in the resisting group, which was 64% male, while people aged between 55 and 75 were most likely to accept the restrictions. Daily Mail 4. Personal standards slip during lockdown. Suspicion that people are letting some standards slip in lockdown has been confirmed by Unilever: it says worldwide sales of personal grooming products such as shampoo have fallen significantly in the past few weeks, and that it suspects sales of deodorant are going to be lower than normal too. On the other hand, its cleaning products such as Cif and Domestos are flying off the shelves. Financial Times 5. Captain Tom Moore turns 100. The appeal by NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore topped £32m as he celebrated his 100th birthday. The war veteran was treated to an RAF fly-past, a letter from the Queen, a recorded message from Boris Johnson, a promotion to honorary colonel, more than 150,000 birthday cards from the public, and a post-mark from the Royal Mail, in honour of his efforts to raise funds for the health service by walking laps of the garden at his Bedfordshire home. The Telegraph |
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5. The link between COVID-19 and obesity. Government scientists are investigating whether Britain’s high death toll is the result of the obesity crisis after it emerged that the proportion of severely obese patients in intensive care with CV-19 is twice the proportion of servery obese people in the general population. With that in mind, here’s how to work out your BMI. Divide your weight in kilograms by your height (in metres) squared. So if you are 180cm tall and weigh 80kiliograms (like me), your body mass index (BMI) is 80/(1.80²)=24.7. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9; between 25 and 29.9 means you are overweight; 30-39.9 is obese; 40+ is morbidly obese. Editor 6. Podcasts to inform and entertain. If you are using podcasts to keep up with the corona-crisis, rather than get away from it, you’re spoiled for choice. The World Service’s Coronavirus Global Update provides an excellent, snappy overview” courtesy of international correspondents. The Coronavirus Newscast is Brexitcast, but coronafied; upbeat and insider-y. LBC’s daily pod, Coronavirus UK, has Nick Ferrari grilling guests. But the pick of the corona pods is The Coronavirus Diaries, weekly from BBC Sounds and 5 Live, in which healthcare workers report from the front line. The Observer 7. Is lower air pollution under lockdown saving lives? Improvements in air quality during coronavirus lockdowns have resulted in 11,000 fewer deaths across Europe over the past month, according to a new study. Researchers at the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) say the effects of the significant reduction in air travel and road traffic are comparable to “everyone in Europe stopping smoking for a month”. The Sun 9. All change at number 10. Boris Johnson, 55, is only the third divorced prime minister since 1721, but the first to be divorced twice. Meanwhile Ms Symonds, 32, is the youngest partner of a PM in 173 years. Whilst they are the first unmarried couple to live in Downing Street, it is not an unusual arrangement elsewhere in the UK with co-habiting unmarried couples now the fastest-growing family type in the UK, according to the ONS. BBC 10. The bottom line. As men are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than women, has anyone considered letting women and children out of lockdown first? We could run the country for a few weeks and see how things go while the men could stay at home baking banana bread and clapping for carers. This was a suggestion received from a female subscriber to this newsletter. Editor |
How one of London’s Asian communities and its hospital copes with death during the coronavirus pandemic.
Residents of Sonning have been re-enacting a classic comedy sketch in their village's quiet streets.
Sirine Jahangir, who lost her sight at the age of 10, impressed the celebrity judges at her audition.
From Thursday, those who have been contacted by the NHS will be asked to isolate, even if they do not have symptoms.
The Health Secretary has announced everyone with coronavirus symptoms is now eligible to be tested.
The family of Pte Cole who died in World War Two says receiving his final letter was "unbelievable".
Barber shops are a central part of a community but how has lockdown changed this?
The football legend tells her she is "so, so amazing" for cycling a mile a day for charity.
From one way systems to not touching everything on the shelves - shopping will look very different.
Douglas Ross on why he resigned as junior minister following Dominic Cummings' lockdown trip defence.
As one of the demographics hit hardest by the pandemic, young people document 24 hours in lockdown.
Matt Hancock has said the government may review fines which people were given for breaching lockdown rules for childcare reasons.
Michael Gove has defended the prime minister's chief aide's movements during lockdown.
Prof John Newton on why the risk of transmission is higher in households than in shops.
The leader of the Scottish Tories says he would be "considering my position" if he was Dominic Cummings.
Dominic Cummings gives a statement to explain his actions during lockdown.
The NHS is urging men, under 35s and those who have recently recovered from Covid-19 to donate plasma.
Window cleaner Vin Kennedy has been a link to the outside world for his self-isolating clients.
Warnings that children’s social services in England will face an increase in demand after lockdown.
After careful planning, families were able to see the residents of one care home from the safety of their cars.
A huge volunteer effort has brought Piddlehinton's 500 residents closer together.
Lockdown has created a unique opportunity to cut HIV transmissions in the UK, says a major sexual health clinic.
Boris Johnson says Dominic Cummings "acted responsibly" when he travelled to the North East during lockdown.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has criticised Boris Johnson's decision to stand by his adviser Dominic Cummings.
Former Durham Police Chief Constable Mike Barton says the PM’s top adviser's actions will make policing more difficult.
Workers at a London care home on how they coped with a coronavirus outbreak and several deaths.
Advice on how to look after your mental health during the pandemic crisis.
Prince William talks about parenting and mental health with ex-footballer Marvin Sordell in a BBC documentary.
Despite government pressure to take patients being discharged from hospitals, this care home refused and locked down early.
BBC's Health Correspondent Laura Foster explains what we know currently about how children are affected by the virus.
British artist Harriet Davey is among the CGI artists creating virtual models for fashion shows.
Annemarie Plas said it would be "beautiful" to end it after its 10th week and make it an annual event.
A singer and publican advises those struggling with mental health after losing all her income.
The cast and writer of W1A have reunited for a one-off Zoom meeting to "cheer people up" during lockdown.
The home secretary says she expects most people to ''do the right thing" and comply with new rules.
Coronavirus has cost the government hundreds of billions of pounds. How will we pay for it?
What factors determine a potential second wave of Covid-19 infections?
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are drafted in as bingo callers in a video call to a care home.
Entrepreneur and ex-Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis talks to the BBC about how coronavirus has hit retail.
How photographer Suzie Larke carried on photographing struggles with mental wellbeing.
