‘CAN MY CLEANER STILL COME ROUND?’
Home is now the “front line” in the fight against coronavirus, the Health Secretary has said, as all but key workers are instructed to stay inside except for essential trips out of the house.
However, many situations are not explicitly covered by government guidance, including visits from tradesmen, building work or house moves.
Q
The guidance says people should not be meeting friends or non-family members. But what if the boiler breaks down?
A
British Gas, along with other utility companies, is cancelling all routine appointments. But they will deal with emergencies and prioritise vulnerable customers, including the elderly and those with young children.
You must tell them if you are self-isolating or suspect you have Covid-19.
Engineers have been advised to take precautions including handwashing before, during and after the appointment, and to keep a safe distance from customers.
Q
My partner and I are separated – can our children move between households?
A
Parents can still share custody of their children during the lockdown. The official guidance states: “Where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes.”
For handovers, it is best to follow government protocols and practise social distancing while travelling, and transfer the children in open spaces or between cars without any other interaction.
Q
My nursery/childminder is continuing to charge me even though I am keeping my children at home. Are they allowed to do this?
A
This is at the discretion of the provider. The Government has urged nurseries and childminders to be “reasonable and balanced” over fees and many are offering reduced rates or freezing payments, but they have running costs and staff to pay.
Q
Can my nanny come to look after the children while I work from home?
A
Nannies are a grey area – the Department for Education was unable to say last night if they are included in the definition of childcare, so you may not be able to use them even if you are a key worker. However, official advice is that if parents can look after their own children, they should do so.
Q
Can my cleaner still come?
A
No, cleaners are not on the list of essential workers. If you pay your cleaner cash in hand and they are not registered with HMRC as selfemployed, they will not be entitled to financial assistance from the Government. Many people are choosing to pay their cleaners even though they are not coming to work.
Q
Can my child have a play date?
A
No. Your child should not be going to another home. If they see a friend while out with you, they must keep their distance.
Q
Can I see my boyfriend or girlfriend during lockdown?
A
The official – and rather drastic – advice is: either move in together or stay apart.
Dr Jenny Harries, deputy chief medical officer, said this is the time to test your relationship and decide if it’s serious: “Stay within your household, either together or apart, but keep it that way.”
Meeting up for dates then returning to separate households risks spreading the virus.
Q
Can we see family members who live in another house? Can I visit my brother and his children?
A
No. Government guidelines state you cannot meet family members who do not share your home.
Q
I need to attend an urgent GP/ hospital/dentist appointment. Do I take the children with me? Or ask a friend to look after them?
A
The Government is advising a “common sense” approach. The risk of leaving children with one friend or neighbour as babysitter is lower than taking them to a surgery or hospital where they will encounter more people. If you have no one with whom to leave young children, then you must take them with you. Try to avoid public transport if you can.
Q
I am having building work at home and we’re halfway through a loft extension – does this work have to stop?
A
The advice on this is unclear. Building work on construction sites can continue, according to Robert Jenrick, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary. But the Federation of Master Builders said no clear advice had been given for builders working on small-scale domestic projects.
Q
Can I move house during lockdown?
A
There is no specific government advice on this. If you have exchanged contracts or terminated your lease then contact your solicitor and estate agent. House hunting, other than viewing properties online, is now on hold.
Q
I’m elderly and don’t have any neighbours who can bring food, but there are no supermarket delivery slots for at least three weeks and I don’t have enough food to last. What do I do?
A
Elderly and vulnerable people who form part of the at-risk group are still able to travel to supermarkets to purchase food and other essentials. Many retailers have now introduced a “silver hour” to ensure they are not mixing with the wider population.
A number of supermarkets have also begun prioritising over-70s for online delivery slots. Click and collect services are being expanded.
The Government is working to establish local hubs to help get supplies to the clinically vulnerable who have been asked to stay in their homes for 12 weeks.
Local authorities will assist with the delivery of groceries, while pharmacists will be asked to deliver medicines.
‘Your child should not be going to another family’s home and should keep their distance from friends on the street’