2-PAGE GUIDE TO NEW RULES
THE UK Government has advised members of the public to wear face coverings on public transport and stand side-to-side with others when outside to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
As it published new guidance on the easing of lockdown restrictions, the Government also suggested washing clothes regularly and keeping rooms well ventilated in a bid to prevent transmission.
Not all the guidance is new, however, and primary importance is still being placed on the washing of hands regularly and keeping a safe distance from people from other households.
Here is a look in more detail at the updated guidance issued by the Government:
WEAR FACE COVERINGS IN ENCLOSED SPACES
The Government’s new guidance suggests wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces such as shops or public transport where social distancing may not be possible.
Face coverings are not compulsory but they should be worn in enclosed spaces such as public transport and some shops. They should not be worn by the undertwos and those with respiratory conditions.
The advice reads: “The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not developed symptoms.
“If you have symptoms of Covid19 (cough and/or high temperature) you and your household should isolate at home: wearing a face covering does not change this.”
It adds that the recommended face coverings are not the same as the surgical masks used by healthcare staff and other workers.
“Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of two or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly, for example primary school age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions,” the guidance continues.
“It is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off.”
STAND SIDE-BY-SIDE RATHER THAN FACE ON
“You are at higher risk of being directly exposed to respiratory droplets released by someone talking or coughing when you are within two metres of someone and have faceto-face contact with them,” the advice states. You can lower the risk of infection if you stay side-to-side rather than facing people.”
WASH CLOTHES REGULARLY
While washing hands is thought to have the most significant impact on removing traces of the virus, the Government’s new guidance says there is “some evidence that the virus can stay on fabrics for a few days, although usually it is shorter”.
As a result, it recommends that those working with people outside their household regularly wash their clothes.
“Changing clothes in workplaces should only normally be considered where there is a high risk of infection or there are highly vulnerable people, such as in a care home,” it said. “If you need to change your clothes avoid crowding into a changing room.”
KEEP ROOMS WELL VENTILATED
The guidance reads: “Evidence suggests that the virus is less likely to be passed on in well-ventilated buildings and outdoors.
“In good weather, try to leave windows and doors open in places where people from different households come into contact - or move activity outdoors if you can.”
It also recommends using external extractor fans and ventilation systems to “maximise the fresh air flow rate”.
“Heating and cooling systems can be used at their normal temperature settings,” it adds.
AVOID CROWDS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT IF POSSIBLE
Those who are able to are encouraged to work from home, while those who are not are urged to avoid public transport when travelling in instead walking or cycling wherever possible.
For those unable to do so, employers are encouraged to stagger working times to avoid busy periods on trains, buses and other modes of transport.
WORK SAFELY AND WITHIN DISTANCE OF OTHERS
The Government is encouraging those that do have to go in to work to avoid being in close confines with colleagues. It encourages employers to follow new guidance on allowing workers to maintain social distancing and efforts to increase hygiene such as regular cleaning of surfaces.
WASH HANDS REGULARLY
The Government’s guidance on handwashing remains consistent urging people to wash their hands regularly with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly.
It also continues to advise using hand sanitiser when entering or leaving buildings and after making contact with surfaces. People should avoid touching their faces, it adds.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM OTHERS WHEREVER POSSIBLE
The Government has maintained its guidance to keep a distance from others while outside. However, it says its previous suggestion of two metres distance was “not a rule and the science is complex”.
“The risk of infection increases the closer you are to another person with the virus and the amount of time you spend in close contact: you are very unlikely to be infected if you walk past another person in the street,” it says. “The key thing is to not be too close to people for more than a short amount of time, as much as you can.”
HOLIDAYS
Holidays are still banned despite coronavirus lockdown restrictions being eased, the Government has said.
A document published by the Cabinet Office stated that staying overnight at a location other than the place you live “for a holiday or other purpose is not allowed”.
This also includes “visiting second homes”.
From tomorrow, people in England have permission to travel to “outdoor open space irrespective of distance”.
But the Cabinet Office noted that “premises such as hotels and bed and breakfasts will remain closed”, unless they are being used for special circumstances such as providing
accommodation for critical workers.
Places of accommodation will reopen as part of “step three” of England’s recovery strategy, which will not begin earlier than July 4. Premises will be required to meet “Covid-19 secure” guidelines to minimise the risk of infection.
GOING OUTSIDE
People are now allowed to spend more time outdoors to enjoy sunbathing, picnics and fresh air and exercise as much as they like.
You are also free to drive any distance within England for a day trip to visit open spaces, and can also go to garden centres.
Visiting holiday and second homes remains banned.
Outdoor facilities like tennis and basketball courts and golf courses can be made use of, but outdoor gyms, playgrounds and public pools remain off-limits.
Social distancing of two-metres must be respected at all times and if people break the rules and mix in groups the infection rate will increase and trigger further restrictions.
VISITING FAMILY OR FRIENDS
You are only allowed to meet one other person from outside your household and that must take place outdoors but the Government is considering if it can safely allow an expanded definition of “household” to allow people to reconnect with close family members.
Scientific advisers are currently examining if it is safe to change the rules to allow one household to expand and include one other household in the same group or “bubble”.
This suggests a family with children would be able to incorporate a set of grandparents into their household group, for example.
You can go out to care for a vulnerable person, or to carry out voluntary or charitable services.
WHAT ABOUT PUNISHMENT FOR BREAKING THE RULES?
Lockdown fines will rise to £100 as the Government warned it was considering tougher enforcement measures for anyone flouting the rules.
People police believe are breaching restrictions on movement will have their first fine lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days, the Home Office said. But fines will double for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.
WHO IS GOING BACK TO WORK?
People who can work only in the workplace are being advised to return to their jobs and “Covidsecure” safety guidelines are being drawn up to enable this.
The “back to work” group includes those in construction and manufacturing, in labs and research facilities, tradesmen, cleaners and others.
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH SCHOOLS?
Young children could start returning to nurseries from June 1, with the Government aiming for all primary school pupils to go back for a month before summer.
The Government expects preschool children to be able to return to early years settings, and for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils to be back in school in “smaller sizes”, from the start of next month.
Secondary schools and further education colleges should also prepare to begin some “face-to-face contact” with year 10 and 12 students who have key exams next year.
WHAT ABOUT SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS?
More shuttered stores on the high street are set to reopen from June 1, including those currently considered “non-essential”, such as fashion or homeware retailers.
But other businesses, such as pubs, hairdressers and cinemas will have to wait until July before they can reopen.
Stores, which are set to be reopened in phases, must meet new Covid-19 safety and security guidelines.
Currently, only essential stores, such as supermarkets, pharmacies and cycle stores, have been allowed to remain open during the coronavirus lockdown.
WHEN WILL WE SEE SPORT BACK ON TV?
There will be no professional sport, even behind closed doors, in England until at least June 1 but after that some cultural and sporting events will be able to take place behind closed doors for broadcast, avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact.