Updated 29/03/21
Information and advice
Latest advice from the GOV.UK
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Latest advice from Public Health England
Latest advice from MIND: Coronavirus and your wellbeing
National lockdown
The government instigated a full national lockdown across England from 5 January 2021.
The government published a roadmap out of restrictions on 22 February 2021.
At this stage it appears that museums will not be able to open until 17 May 2021 at the earliest.
Sector leaders are lobbying for an earlier opening date, and we will update this page regularly to reflect any potential changes to the reopening schedule.
Read the latest roadmap guidance.
Step 1
- All children and students return safely to face-to-face education in schools and colleges from 8 March.
- Childcare and children’s supervised activities can also resume where necessary to enable parents to work or engage in similar activities.
- People will be allowed to leave home for recreation and exercise outdoors with their household or support bubble, if they are eligible for one, or with one person from outside their household.
- Care home residents will also be allowed one regular visitor.
- From 29 March outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will also be allowed.
Step 2
- Step 2, which will be no earlier than 12 April, will see the opening of non-essential retail, and public buildings, including libraries and community centres.
- Most outdoor attractions and settings will reopen including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas.
Step 3
- Museums will be allowed to reopen in Step 3, which will be no earlier than 17 May.
Step 4
- By Step 4 which will take place no earlier than 21 June, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.
The Chancellor will set out further details on support in the budget next Wednesday 3 March.
Furlough Scheme Extended and Further Economic Support announced
In response to the latest national lockdown, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was extended until 30 April 2021.
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
Government Guidance on Re-opening
Visitor Economy
Heritage Locations
Meeting with Others Safely/Social Distancing
Offices and Contact Centres
Restaurants, Take Away, Deliveries
Shops and Stores
Gardens, Parks and Outdoor spaces
- Managing Public Parks during Covid-19 by NLHF and Local Government Association
- Advice on managing public access to parks and social distancing is offered by various local authorities, for example Greater London Authority
- Keep Your Parks Open by the Royal Parks
QR Codes launched for Track & Trace