UK lockdown rules – what you can and cannot do in self-isolation
THE government has now imposed a lockdown across the UK in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Here’s everything you need to know about what the rules mean about what you can and can’t do. ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates What are the main UK […]
THE government has now imposed a lockdown across the UK in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Here’s everything you need to know about what the rules mean about what you can and can’t do.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
What are the main UK lockdown rules?
The government has said everybody must now stay at home if at all possible.
It said you should only be going out to buy food, for health reasons, or to go work, and that you should only be going to work if you cannot work from home.
Everyone is being encouraged to practice social distancing when in public.
Key workers are still being encouraged to go to work as long as they are not showing symptoms of coronavirus.
As laid out on the government’s website, key workers includes people working in health and social care, education or childcare, and other public services.
Everyone is allowed to go out to exercise once a day alone or with members of their household, though public gatherings of more than two people are not allowed.
Should I observe social-distancing rules in my house?
Social distancing means staying at least two metres away from others at all times.
Those who are unable to work from home are being told to practise social distancing in the workplace where possible.
Government website states that social distancing advice applies to people “outside of your household”.
Can I still walk my dog in lockdown?
The lockdown rules allow everyone to leave the house for exercise once a day.
Dogs are allowed to accompany owners for exercise.
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If you usually walk your dog twice a day, another member of your household should accompany it for the second walk.
The government has said you should ideally not walk dogs from another household to ensure social distancing is maintained.
Can I still move house?
The government has effectively suspended the housing market, and said you should postpone upcoming moves if at all possible.
Moves can still go ahead if they have to for contractual reasons, but social distancing guidelines should be followed throughout.
Estate agents, surveyors, and potential buyers are not allowed to visit homes while the lockdown remains in place.
Anyone in the initial stages of a purchase or sale has been told to delay.
Further details can be found on the gov.uk website.
Can I be fined if I leave my house?
Police now have the power to issue £60 on-the-spot fines for anyway found flouting the lockdown rules.
Fines could also be higher for repeat offenders.
Speaking about the measures, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “All our frontline services are doing an incredible job to stop this terrible virus from spreading.
“That’s why I’m giving the police these new enforcement powers, to protect the public and keep people safe.”
The Home Office said officers would use “common sense and discretion” when enforcing the lockdown.
They are expected only to use new powers where people refuse to comply with requests to return home.
What if I’m a key worker and my kids still go to school?
Some schools are remaining partially open to care for the children of key workers.
The provision is intended to ease the childcare burden and allow key workers to stay at work.
The Department for Education has said parents should keep children at home unless their work is “critical” to efforts to combat the epidemic.
What if I’m an NHS coronavirus volunteer?
Over half a million people signed up to volunteer in the NHS to ease additional pressure during the outbreak.
The drive had initially been for 250,000 people.
Volunteers are expected to be used to deliver food and medicines, drive patients to appointments, and phone those who are isolated.
Volunteers are being asked not to participate if they or anyone else in their household is currently showing symptoms of the coronavirus or if they have an underlying health condition.
What are the best ways to communicate with my family and friends on lockdown?
Modern technology will make staying in touch with friends and family a lot easier than it once would have been.
Among the options available are:
- Phone
- FaceTime
- Zoom
- Skype
- HouseParty
- Portal
- NetflixParty
MOST READ IN NEWS
The coronavirus has so far infected more than 11,000 people in the UK and killed at least 578.
The government has not yet indicated how long it expects the lockdown to last, but other leaders around the world have said measures could remain in place for months.
