
This page has been designed to provide up-to-date information, guidance and advice with regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
If you need medical help, please use the 111 online coronavirus service.
Please click here for the Government's stay at home advice and here for more general information. The most recent guidance can be found at Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
UPDATE 27TH JANUARY 2022
Return to 'Plan A'
-
People will no longer be advised to work from home, face coverings will no longer be mandatory in indoor venues, and organisations will be able to choose whether to require NHS COVID Passes
VACCINE OR TEST CERTIFICATION - December 2021
On 15 December, COVID-19 vaccination or test certification was implemented in certain non-essential settings across England as part of ‘Plan B’, in response to the emergence of Omicron as a variant of concern. It is part of a package of measures aimed at reducing pressure on the NHS.
Certification applies to the following venues and events:
• nightclubs, dancehalls and discotheques;
• other late-night dance venues that:
o are open between 1am and 5am;
o serve alcohol during this time;
o have a dancefloor (or designated space for dancing); and
o provide music, whether live or recorded, for dancing.
• indoor events with 500 or more attendees who are likely to stand or move
around for all or part of the event, such as music venues with standing audiences or large receptions;
• outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees who are likely to stand or move
around for all or part of the event, such as outdoor festivals; and
• any indoor or outdoor events with 10,000 or more attendees, such as large
sports and music events
.
Adult visitors to these settings must either:
• have taken a lateral flow device or polymerase chain reaction test, which has
returned a negative result, within 48 hours before visiting the venue or event;
• have completed a full course of COVID-19 vaccination with two doses of an
approved vaccine (or one of the single-dose Janssen vaccine); or
• be exempt from requirements to be vaccinated. Individuals exempt from
vaccination only (rather than vaccination and testing) are encouraged a test before attending a venue, to protect themselves and others.
TUESDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
Due to the emergence of the Omicron variant, mask wearing is now mandatory on public transport and in shops.
Full details can be found here Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Further new measures introduced such as rules on testing and travel and on self-isolation can be found on the Government website at Measures against Omicron variant come into effect: 30 November 2021 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
STEP 4
In England from 19 July
England moves to Step 4 of the roadmap. Everyone should be cautious whilst managing the risks as cases of COVID-19 remain high. Find out what will change and what you should do to protect yourself and others.
Step 3 restrictions remain in place until 19 July. Follow the guidance on what you can and cannot do.
From 19 July fully vaccinated people returning to England from amber list countries will not need to quarantine.
In England from 16 August
If you’re fully vaccinated or under 18, you will not need to self-isolate following close contact with someone who has COVID-19. You’ll still need to take a PCR test and self-isolate if it’s positive.
Advice for businesses on moving to step 4 can be found here - Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance from Step 4 - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Useful phone numbers:
Below are attachments of documents and letters from Ministers and links to the latest news from the Government on Coronavirus.