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Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Coronavirus (COVID‑19)
There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other
- Wash hands keep washing your hands regularly
- Cover face wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
- Make space stay at least 2 metres apart - or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions
If you have any coronavirus symptoms:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
Get a test and stay at home
Find out what support you can get
For example, if you’re out of work, need to get food, or want to take care of your mental health.
Recent and upcoming changes
23 to 27 December
2 December
Follow the rules for your tier in England
23 November
Government releases Winter Plan for managing coronavirus
5 November
National restrictions apply to England:
- you cannot meet socially with anyone indoors unless they’re in your support bubble
- there are changes to how many people you can meet outside
- you must not travel in the UK or overseas, unless for a specific reason, like education, work or a caring responsibility
Guidance and support
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How to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Popular content
- Get a test to check if you have coronavirus
- Get a test if you live or work in Liverpool, even if you have no symptoms (Liverpool City Council website)
- Book a test if you have a verification code
- Schools and further education providers: ordering home test kits
- Self-isolating: stay at home if you think you have coronavirus
- NHS test and trace: how it works
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Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support if you’re working less or not working - and find out how to stay safe at work.
Popular content
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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
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for parents, schools, colleges and universities: closures, exams, learning, health and wellbeing.
Popular content
See specific guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Wash your hands, cover your face, make space
View the video transcript
As winter approaches, we’ll be spending more time indoors. This will increase the risk of coronavirus spreading.
The following reconstructions of everyday environments show why washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering and keeping at least 2m apart is vital in controlling the spread.
Coronavirus can live for more than 24 hours indoors.
You could pick up or pass on the virus by touching a contaminated surface.
Washing your hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitiser, regularly throughout the day will reduce the risk of catching or passing it on.
Coronavirus can be found in tiny droplets coming out of your nose and mouth.
Wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth reduces the spread of droplets carrying the virus. This means if you have it, you’re less likely to pass it on to others.
Larger droplets can land on other people or on surfaces they touch. Spreading the virus through droplets is most likely to happen when you are less than 2m apart.
Smaller droplets called aerosols can stay in the air for some time, especially if there is no ventilation.
So when you are with people not from your household, you must keep at least 2m apart.
The risk of spreading the virus through smaller droplets is much less outdoors, where there is more ventilation.
Wash your hands, cover your face, make space. These are the three most effective ways we can all control the spread of the virus.
Remember if you have any coronavirus symptoms; high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell, get a free test by calling 119 or visiting NHS.uk.
Together, we will control the virus and stop the spread.
Don’t forget, Hands, Face, Space.
Announcements
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Joint statement on UK-wide Christmas arrangements
Published 24 November 2020
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England will introduce a testing strategy for people arriving from abroad
Published 24 November 2020
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PM statement on COVID-19 Winter Plan
Published 23 November 2020