Coronavirus Guidance

As it stands, the road map that the Prime Minister laid out in February is still in place, with a step-by-step plan for lifting restrictions in England. We have surpassed the stage allowing non-essential retail, personal care and close contact services, indoor sports and leisure facilities for individual exercise, self-contained holiday accommodation, outdoor hospitality venues, outdoor attractions and public buildings to reopen as of 12 April.

The next stage of the easing of restrictions is May 17, where contingent on the data, more indoor settings will be allowed to reopen.

It is still hopeful that remaining settings will be able to reopen in the following stage, which will no be earlier than June 21.

Before taking each step, the Government will review the latest data on the impact of the previous step against four tests. The tests are:

1. The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
2. Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
3. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
4. The government's assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.

Read the full COVID-19 response and the roadmap out of lockdown here.

Some of the rules on what you can and cannot changed on 12 April. However, many restrictions remain in place. You must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with, unless you have formed a support bubble with them, or another exemption applies. You should continue to work from home if you can and minimise the number of journeys you make where possible. You should get a test and follow the stay at home guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Read more here.

Follow Public Health England on Twitter and Facebook to stay in the loop on the latest developments and advice.

Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19). Follow the NHS on Twitter and Facebook.

The Changes website offers its services digitally to help support wellbeing. UK Government issued a publication containing guidance on mental health and wellbeing during Coronavirus.

Visit the website for Coronavirus-related updates and ways in which they can offer support, and follow their Twitter and Facebook.