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Coronavirus remains a serious health risk. Find out how to manage the risks and protect yourself and others.
Coronavirus (COVID‑19)
Coronavirus remains a serious health risk. You should stay cautious to help protect yourself and others.
- Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer
- Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet
- Get tested and self-isolate if required
- If you haven’t already, get vaccinated
If you have no symptoms:
If you have coronavirus symptoms:
- get a PCR test
- stay at home
Recent and upcoming changes
Changes in England
New rules for travelling or returning to England England
- New international travel system from 4 Oct: red list and rest of world
- Changes to rules for fully vaccinated travellers coming from non-red list countries
- 8 destinations removed from red list including Turkey and Pakistan
Autumn and winter plan 2021 England
The government has set out its COVID-19 autumn and winter plan.
Booster vaccine dose for people most at risk from COVID-19 UK Wide
People aged 50 years and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care workers, and those aged 16 to 49 years with specific underlying health conditions will be offered a booster vaccine dose.
First dose vaccinations for young people UK Wide
All young people aged 12 to 15 will soon be offered a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Changes in Northern Ireland
Booster vaccine dose for people most at risk from COVID-19 UK Wide
People aged 50 years and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care workers, and those aged 16 to 49 years with specific underlying health conditions will be offered a booster vaccine dose.
First dose vaccinations for young people UK Wide
All young people aged 12 to 15 will soon be offered a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Latest regulations Northern Ireland
Since 10 September up to 15 people can meet in a person’s home, dancing is allowed at weddings and civil partnerships, and rules for bars and restaurants have been eased. Find out what you can and cannot do in Northern Ireland on nidirect.
Changes in Scotland
Booster vaccine dose for people most at risk from COVID-19 UK Wide
People aged 50 years and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care workers, and those aged 16 to 49 years with specific underlying health conditions will be offered a booster vaccine dose.
First dose vaccinations for young people UK Wide
All young people aged 12 to 15 will soon be offered a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
No current protection levels Scotland
To keep each other safe, there remain a number of principles and some legal requirements you should follow. Read the latest coronavirus guidance for Scotland on GOV.SCOT.
Changes in Wales
NHS COVID Pass required for nightclubs and large events Wales
From 11 October, you’ll need to show proof that you are fully vaccinated or have a recent negative rapid lateral flow test using NHS COVID Pass to attend nightclubs and large events. Find out more on GOV.WALES.
Booster vaccine dose for people most at risk from COVID-19 UK Wide
People aged 50 years and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care workers, and those aged 16 to 49 years with specific underlying health conditions will be offered a booster vaccine dose.
First dose vaccinations for young people UK Wide
All young people aged 12 to 15 will soon be offered a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Alert level 0 Wales
Most restrictions have been lifted. You still need to wear a face covering in many places including public transport. Read the latest coronavirus guidance for Wales on GOV.WALES.
Guidance and support
Staying safe
Testing and self-isolating
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Find out about the different types of coronavirus (COVID-19) test and how to get tested.
Getting tested
- Get a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms
- Order rapid lateral flow tests if you do not have symptoms
- Report a test result from a lateral flow test kit
- Book a test if you have a verification code
- Surge testing for people without symptoms: how to get a test, and locations in England
Self-isolation
- Self-isolating: check if you can get a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment
- Self-isolating: when someone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms or has had a positive test result
- NHS test and trace: what to do if you are contacted
- Get support if you cannot go out to get food or medicine, for example if you’re self isolating or vulnerable (Royal Voluntary Service)
- Find out about getting statutory sick pay if you’re self-isolating (Acas)
International travel
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Find out the rules for travelling abroad and returning to England.
Vaccination
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Find out who can get the vaccine, how to book or manage your appointment, information on vaccine safety, and vaccines in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Self-employment and businesses
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Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support for your business or if you’re self-employed, and find out how to keep your business and your employees safe.
Popular content
Work and support
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Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support if you’re working less or not working, need other support - and find out how to stay safe at work.
Advice and support
- Claim tax relief for working from home
- Furlough: check if your employer can put you on temporary paid leave
- Apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment
- Citizens Advice: advice if you’re worried about working
- Get support if you’ve been made redundant
- What to do if you’ve been furloughed
- If you’re self-employed and getting less or no work
- Find out about benefits and sick pay
Schools, universities, education and childcare
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) information about schools, nurseries, colleges and universities.
See specific guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Announcements
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New rules for international travel to England
Published 17 September 2021
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Shielding programme ends for clinical extremely vulnerable
Published 15 September 2021
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Most vulnerable to be offered COVID-19 booster vaccines from next week
Published 14 September 2021
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Prime Minister sets out autumn and winter COVID-19 plan
Published 14 September 2021
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People aged 12 to 15 will be offered one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
Published 13 September 2021
UK statistics
Total vaccinations
48.5 million
people have received their first dose
Last updated 17 September 2021
Vaccination data from the coronavirus data dashboard
Daily hospital admissions
932
new patients have been admitted to hospital
Last updated 14 September 2021
Healthcare data from the coronavirus data dashboard
Daily new cases
30,144
people tested positive with COVID-19
Last updated 18 September 2021
Cases data from the coronavirus data dashboard