If you are an employer that requires staff to travel regularly across UK borders you must take reasonable steps to facilitate your employees to take tests. (29 March)
In the next major push for the Government’s workplace testing programme, all employers will now be able to offer their employees free, rapid and regular testing that can be taken at home .(29 March)
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place, however some of the rules on what you can and cannot do changed today 29 March. You must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with. 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. (29 March)
DCMS has shared some clarity on guidance for the reopening of accommodation from Step 2 (12th April). You can read this guidance within the Accommodation section of Business Advice on our COVID Business Support Hub.
The government has set out regulations that will pave the way to the easing of all restrictions from 21 June ahead of Parliament voting on both the roadmap and Coronavirus Act this Thursday.
The Government has published the terms of reference for the Events Research Programme, which was committed to in the roadmap. The Events Research Programme will oversee a range of pilot events in Spring/Summer to build evidence on the risks associated with Covid-19 transmission routes, the characteristics of events and surrounding activities, and the extent to which mitigation measures can effectively address these risks. The evidence from these pilot events will be used to inform the government's decision around Step 4 of the roadmap and will shape government policy to bring about the phased return of fuller audiences to venues and events up and down England.(19 March)
Ethiopia, Oman, Somalia and Qatar have been added to the UK’s red list. From 4am on Friday 19 March 2021, visitors who have departed from or transited through these countries in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into the UK. Only British and Irish citizens, or those with residence rights (including long-term visa holders), will be allowed to enter and must stay in a government-approved facility for 10 days. During their stay, they will be required to take a coronavirus test on day 2 and day 8 in England.
The Government is reviewing whether COVID-status certification could play a role in reopening our economy, reducing restrictions on social contact and improving safety. (16 March)
Guidance for new and returning students travelling from overseas has been published. It details the border measures that students will need to follow including pre-departure testing and managed hotel quarantine. (10 March)
Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP has announced he intends to extend pavement licences for a further 12 months to help the hospitality industry recover once lockdown restrictions are lifted – subject to parliamentary approval. Details of the announcement were included in a letter sent by the Communities Secretary to local authorities urging them to do ‘everything possible’ to get ready for the reopening of the country’s high streets. (9 March)
As part of the government’s roadmap to cautiously lift restrictions, businesses of all sizes, including those with fewer than 50 employees, can now register to order free lateral flow tests for their employees. An online portal has been launched for businesses to find out more about offering rapid workplace testing. Businesses will be provided with all the information they need to plan and deliver their testing programme, along with promotional materials. All local authorities in England are now offering rapid lateral flow testing for small businesses if they can’t offer rapid workplace testing. Businesses can find their local test site online. (8 March)
From today 8 March 2021, people must complete a declaration form stating the reason that they need to travel abroad. The form must be completed for anyone travelling outside the UK from England. People do not need to complete the form for travel within the UK, to Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. People may be asked to show the declaration form at the port of departure. Entering a port of departure to travel internationally without a completed form is a criminal offence, for which fines apply. Some people are exempt from completing the declaration form because of the job they do. (8 March)
Updated risk assessment guidance for drivers of taxis and PHVs considering installing a safety screen in their vehicle. (4 March)
Guidance for those affected by changes to UK immigration and borders due to coronavirus has been updated to split the coronavirus guidance for student and worker sponsors into 2 documents. (4 March)
TheSafer Air Travel guidance has been updated to include information on the roadmap out of lockdown for international travel. (3 March)
VisitEngland has announced that the ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard has been recognised by the World Travel & Tourism Council as meeting its global standardised health and hygiene protocols and for its role in supporting the recovery of the UK tourism sector. From today, We’re Good To Go registered businesses in the UK can log into their online account to download the Safe Travels stamp. Any business not already part of We’re Good To Go can apply to the scheme through the usual process and indicate within that application their wish to use the additional global WTTC stamp. (26 February)
Following the publishing of the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’ document setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown in England, the government has released the official guidance on reopening businesses and venues in England. (25 February)
The government has published the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’ which sets out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England. In addition to the roadmap, four formal reviews will also take place concerning social distancing and face masks; the resumption of international travel; COVID status certification to enable reopening of businesses; and the return of major events.
In March, a plan for reacting to local outbreaks and measures to tackle new variants will be published. (23 February)
The Prime Minister will today set out the government’s roadmap for cautiously easing lockdown restrictions in England. Cabinet will meet virtually this morning to discuss the plan, the Prime Minister will give a statement to Parliament in the afternoon, and host a televised press conference in the evening. (22 February)
From Monday 15 February, anyone who has visited a country on the UK’s travel ban ‘red list’ will have to enter England through a designated port and havepre-booked a quarantine package to stay at one of the government’s managed quarantine facilities. Anyone arriving in England who has not visited a red list country must still quarantine for 10 days at home. (16 February)
From Monday 15 February all arrivals at English ports will be required to undertake 2 mandatory COVID-19 tests – on day 2 and day 8 of their 10-day quarantine. Tests must be booked from a list of government-approved test providers. Test to Release will continue to be in operation – however, arrivals will still be required to purchase the 2-testing package. (10 February)
From Monday 15 February anyone arriving who has been in a country on the UK’s travel ban list (‘red list’) in the previous 10 days will be required to arrive into a designated arrival port and to purchase a quarantine package. Bookings will be made through a dedicated online portal and includes assigned government transportation, food and drinks, accommodation in a government-approved facility, security, welfare and testing. The charge for a single adult will be less than £1,750. (10 February)
Tough new enforcement measures will come into force from Monday 15 February to ensure compliance with the new border rules. A £1,000 penalty will also be given to any international arrival who fails to take a mandatory test, followed by a £2,000 penalty to any international arrival who fails to take the second mandatory test. This will be accompanied by an automatic extension of the quarantine period to 14 days. Fines will be issued and will range from £5,000 rising to £10,000 for arrivals who fail to quarantine in a designated hotel. (10 February)
The government is working closely with organisations across different sectors that are vital to the running of our country and where employees cannot work from home during lockdown, from transport networks to food manufacturers, to sign up to rapid testing programmes that identify cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in employees who are not showing symptoms. This will help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and ensure vital public and economic services can continue. (8 February)
The government has confirmed that UK residents returning from coronavirus hotspots will have to quarantine in hotels from 15 February. The rules will apply to those returning to the country from 33 "red list" Covid-19 hotspots - including several South American and African countries where new Covid variants have been detected in large numbers. (5 February)
The page on what to do if you’re employed and cannot work has been updated with guidance to include that employers can furlough staff if they’re shielding or have caring responsibilities because of coronavirus. (4 February)
On 27 January the UK Government announced new rules for outbound and inbound passengers. The page has been updated to reflect this - under current UK COVID-19 restrictions. People must stay at home. They must not travel, including abroad, unless they have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes. Check the rules that apply to in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. (2 February)
The ‘when you can leave home’ section in the National lockdown: Stay at Home guidance has been updated to include campaigning for electoral events as ‘a further reasonable excuse’. (2 February)
From 13.00 on Friday 29 January, the UAE, Burundi and Rwanda will be added to the travel ban list for the UK. This means people who have been in or transited through these countries will be denied entry, except British, Irish and third country nationals with residence rights who must self-isolate for ten days at home. Passengers must still have proof of a negative test and must have completed a Passenger Locator Form before arrival – or they could face a £500 fine for each. (29 January)
In his statement to Parliament, the Prime Minister advised that during the week commencing 22 February, it is the government’s intention to publish a plan for taking the country out of lockdown. He also indicated that should certain conditions and targets be met, it is hoped that schools could begin re-opening from Monday 8 March. (28 January)
The government has announced further action for outbound and inbound passengers to minimise travel across international borders and reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Actions include: For those wishing to travel out of the UK - declaring reason for travel; increased police enforcement; reviewing travel exemptions. For those seeking to enter the UK - managed isolation in hotels; Police checks. (28 January)
Saga Holidays has introduced the requirement that all customers must be fully vaccinated, having received their full two doses of the COVID‑19 vaccination at least 14 days before travel as part of their holidays or cruise brands. (27 January)
New emotive TV ad challenges the public to think about the impact their actions might have by asking: “Can you look them in the eyes and tell them you’re helping by staying at home?” The TV advert launched on ITV and Channel 4 and further advertising will run across radio, out of home, digital and across social media. (25 January)
The requirements to provide public health information to passengers travelling to England page has been updated to include requirements for transport operators to ensure provision of coronavirus information. Transport operators are required to ensure that passengers travelling to England by sea, air or rail from outside the common travel area are provided with information about coronavirus, and related duties and public health guidance. (25 January)
Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania have been added to travel ban list. People who have been in or transited through the Democratic Republic of Congo or Tanzania in the last 10 days will not be granted access to the UK. This does not include British and Irish Nationals, or third country nationals with residence rights in the UK, who will be able to enter the UK but are required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival along with their household. (25 January)
From today,all travel corridors with the UK will be suspended – meaning that all international arrivals who have departed from or transited through any country outside the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days will be required to both take a pre-departure test, and self-isolate immediately for 10 days on arrival. This includes British and Irish nationals. (18 January)
Guidance on Businesses Required to Close has been updated and now specifically mentions retail travel agents and self-catering properties such as holiday apartments, homes, cottages or bungalows. (15 January)
New travel restrictions will apply with immediate effect on passengers arriving in the UK from South American destinations, Portugal, Panama and Cape Verde. (15 January)
Pre-departure testing on people travelling to England from abroad was due to go live today, but has now been put back to Monday 18 January from 4am. (15 January)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been removed from the UK's list of travel corridors this means that travellers arriving into England from 04.00 on 12 January from this destination will need to self-isolate. (13 January)
From 4am on 15 January 2021, pre-departure testing will be required for all inbound passengers to England. Passengers arriving by ship, plane or train will have to take a test up to 3 days before departure and provide evidence of a negative result before they travel. (12 January)
The government has published its UK COVID-19 Vaccines Delivery Plan which describes how supplies of vaccine have been built up and how they will be deployed. (12 January)
Asymptomatic testing to be rolled out across the country starting this week – local authorities will be encouraged to target testing to people who cannot work from home during lockdown. (11 January)
Clarification has been issued on when a security operative is considered to be a "critical worker". If you are providing essential security to a service which itself remains critical and functioning, which attracts critical worker status, then you are likely to be covered. If in doubt, check with whoever contracts for your services. (8 January)
This Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement in the House of Commons ahead of the vote on the lockdown legislation last night. In his statement he reiterated the stay at home message for people in England. He said that the legislation being voted on today runs until 31 March to allow a steady, controlled and evidence-led move down through the tiers on a regional basis. There will be a statutory requirement for a review every two weeks and a legal obligation to remove them if they are no longer deemed necessary to limit the transmission of the virus. (7 January)
Guidance for food businesses involved in the manufacturing, processing, warehousing, picking, packaging, retailing and service of food has been updated in line with national lockdown and updated guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable. (7 January)
Transport operators are advised in the safer transport guidance for operators to consider the transport operator guidance alongside the general advice to the public on national lockdown that applies in England. (7 January)
Last night, following a rapid rise in coronavirus infections, hospital admissions and case rates across the country, the Prime Minister announced a national lockdown for England. New rules have been issued on what you can and cannot do under this new lockdown. Everyone should follow the new rules now, and they will become law from 00.01 on Wednesday. The restrictions are expected to last until the middle of February if the situation in hospitals improves. (5 January)
Leaders from all seven local authorities in North East England have issued a statement on the region moving in Tier 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions from Thursday 31 December. (30 December)
The guidance on working safely during coronavirus in England has been updated to include guidance on local restriction tiers and protecting people who are at high risk. (22 December)
When visiting your local coastline please take care and follow the rules and social distancing guidelines according to your tier status. (22 December)
The Prime Minister announced on Saturday 19th December that as a result of a new variant of the virus showing that it may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old variant, areas of London, the South East and the East of England in tier 3 will move to a new tier 4where the restrictions will be broadly equivalent to national restrictions which were in place in England in November. People must only leave tier 4 area for legally permitted reasons such as travel to work where they cannot work from home, to education and for caring responsibilities People must not travel into a tier 4 area from another part of the UK, other than for reasons such as travel to work where it is not possible to work from home, etc. People who live in tier 4 cannot leave home for holidays or stays overnight away from their main home unless permitted by law. This means that holidays in the UK and abroad are not allowed. People on holiday in a tier 4 area, you should return to their home as soon as practical. (17 December)
An increasing number of countries are imposing travel bans on the UK in response to the new more infectious coronavirus variant. (17 December)
The Christmas rules in England have also been revised. Those living in tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their household at Christmas (exceptions apply for support bubbles). In all other tiers, the meeting of three households will be limited to Christmas Day only. There will be no relaxation of the rules for New Year’s Eve. (17 December)
Following the review of local restriction tiers, the Health Secretary has announced the North East of England, including County Durham, will remain under Tier 3 (Very High Alert) restrictions. (17 December)
The four UK Governments met yesterday to confirm the common arrangements for the five-day Christmas period and as a result have issued updated guidance and recommendations. (17 December)
Test to Release for International Travelscheme in England has now started. Travellers arriving in England can choose to pay for a private COVID-19 test a minimum of five days after leaving a place not on the travel corridor list. If the test is negative, no further self-isolation is needed. If the traveller does not want to opt into the Test to Release scheme, they will need to self-isolate until 10 full days have passed since they were last in a place not on the travel corridors list. A list of private test providershas been added as part of the Test to Release for international travel scheme. (16 December)
Coronavirus self-isolation period will be reduced from 14 to 10 days. This change will apply in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from 00:01am on Monday 14 December. It already applies in Wales. People who return from countries which are not on the travel corridor list should also self-isolate for 10 days instead of 14 days. People who test positive should continue to self-isolate for 10 days from onset of symptoms or 10 days from point of taking a positive test if asymptomatic. (14 December)
The Canary Islands was removed from the England Travel Corridor list at 4am Saturday 12 December, meaning that people arriving from this destination from this time will need to self-isolate for two weeks. (14 December)
Botswana and Saudi Arabia were added to the England Travel Corridor listat 4am Saturday 12 December, meaning that people arriving from these destinations will not need to self-isolate. (14 December)
MHRA Chief Executive, Dr June Raine, has written an interesting article explaining the process behind the Agency’s approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. (9 December)
Guidance for people who work in or run shops, branches, stores or similar environments has been amended for handling goods, merchandise and other materials; with the objective to reduce transmission through contact with objects that come in the store. (4 December)
Clarification has also been published for theatres, concert halls and cinemas in Tier 2, which are exempt from only being able to serve alcohol with a substantial meal provided it is limited only to customers with tickets, can only be purchased 30 minutes before, during and 30 minutes after a performance (section 3 paragraph 3.10). (4 December)
The Department for Transport announced the government’s plans to help minimise disruption and help people travel safely if they need to over the Christmas period. (4 December)
From today Wednesday 2 December, County Durham, along with other authorities in North East England, is under strengthened Tier 3 (Very High Alert) restrictions. Further detailed guidance on restrictions as they relate to the Visitor Economy has been published to guide tourism businesses through the new tier restrictions. (2 December)
From Wednesday 2 December, as England returns to a system of tiered restrictions, all non-essential retail across England will be able to reopen, and planning rules limiting opening hours will be eased to allow shops to be open for longer Monday to Saturday in the run up to Christmas and through January. (1 December)
Guidance has been issued for the Christmas Period 23 to and including 27 December. The guidance should be read in conjunction with the appropriate Tier restrictions in force during the Christmas period. (1 December)
HMRC is holding a webinars providing an overview of the Self-Employment Income Support Grant Extension launching on 30 November, and further support available for the self-employed. You can register for webinars being held on 1st, 3rd and 8th December. (30 November)
Guidance has been updated on face coverings, in particular making it clear that plastic visors are not acceptable face coverings – ‘A face visor or shield may be worn in addition to a face covering but not instead of one.’ (27 November)
Jobcentres will remain open, as they have throughout the pandemic, and from 2 December 2020 with the introduction of the strengthened tier system in England, updated jobcentre guidance will apply to customers, and will ensure essential support is provided whilst keeping colleagues and customers safe. (27 November)
Ajoint statement has been released from the UK Government and Devolved Administrations on a single set of UK-wide measures to help people come together with their loved ones in a way that is as safe as possible at Christmas. (25 November)
The Prime Minister made a statementin the House of Commons on the Government's COVID-19 Winter Plan. The plan presents a programme for suppressing the virus, protecting the NHS and the vulnerable, keeping education and the economy going and providing a route back to normality. The plan sets out the Government’s approach to ending the national restrictions on 2 December. (24 November)
From Wednesday 2 December, the government will replace the current national restrictions with a new 3 Tier system where different restrictions apply in different parts of the country. These tiers will be strengthened compared to the previous tiers in order to prevent a return to growing infections. On Thursday 26 November the government will announce which areas are in which tier. (24 November)
The government has produced guidance for actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus. Taxis and private hire vehicles providing services during the current national restrictions should continue operating services as normal for those who have a legally permitted reason to travel. To help control the spread of the virus you should remind passengers of the rule but you do not have to refuse to carry them. (19 November)
A new public information campaign has launched today by the government to highlight how letting fresh air into indoor spaces can reduce the risk of infection from coronavirus by over 70%. Part of the campaign includes a short film showing how coronavirus lingers in enclosed spaces and how to keep your home ventilated. (18 November)
It has been announced that the 2022 May Bank Holiday Weekend will be moved to Thursday 2 June and an additional Bank Holiday on Friday 3 June will see a four-day weekend to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee - the first time any British monarch has reached this historic milestone. (12 November)
From 7 November visitors from Denmark arriving in the UK will be denied entry, due to outbreaks of coronavirus in mink farms, with a variant strain of the virus spreading to some local communities. British Nationals, visa holders and permanent residents who have travelled to Denmark in the last 14 days will have to self-isolate along with their household. Those who arrived from Denmark before 4am on 7 November in the last 14 days are asked to self-isolate along with their households. The length of that self-isolation will depend on when travellers were last in Denmark. There are no exemptions from self-isolation if arriving from Denmark. (11 November)
Guidance has been updated for Restaurants, Pubs, Bars and Takeaway Services wherein restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. Sale of alcohol is permitted via pre-order for collection or delivery services only. Anyone who can work from home, should (section 1.1) and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals should not attend work if they can't work from home for this period of restrictions (section 2.1). (10 November)
Denmark was removed from the England Travel Corridor list at 4am this morning, meaning that people arriving from this destination from this time will need to self-isolate for two weeks. (6 November)
Germany and Sweden will be removed from the England Travel Corridor list at 4am Saturday 7 November, meaning that people arriving from these destinations from this time will need to self-isolate for two weeks. (6 November)
If you were already on holiday prior to national restrictions coming into force, you should return to your home as soon as practical and comply with the ‘stay at home’ requirements in your holiday accommodation in the meantime.
Businesses and venues that can remain open, now include outdoor grounds of botanical gardens, heritage homes and landmarks (indoor attractions at these venues must close); car parks; public toilets; and motorway service areas – the full list of businesses and venues that must close/can remain open can be found on pages 29-32 of the regulations.
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation has been updated (3rd November)
There is no exemption for staying away from home on holiday. This means people cannot travel internationally or within the UK, unless for work, education or other legally permitted exemptions. Overnight stays away from primary residences will not be allowed, except for specific exceptions including for work.
Inbound international travel will continue to be governed by the travel corridor approach, and those currently on a domestic holiday will be allowed to finish their holidays, but are still subject to the requirements in England not to go out without a reasonable excuse.
The government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close, including:
all non-essential retail, including but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops
Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks
Entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, zoos, and other animal attractions, botanical gardens
Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons
Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open
Essential retail should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers
Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.
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