Coronavirus Guidance

The Prime Minister has laid out the roadmap out of lockdown to MPs in the Commons, giving a step-by-step plan for lifting restrictions in England, with all limits on social contact currently set to be removed by June 21 at the earliest. 

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.

As of 4 January 2021, a third national lockdown was announced for England to 'bring the new variant under control while vaccines are rolled out', which came into effect at midnight. The key message is to 'stay at home' to protect the NHS and save lives, and the UK Government guidance here is in immediate effect.

You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:

- shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
- go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
- exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
- meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
- seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
- attend education or childcare - for those eligible

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.