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Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do.
Coronavirus (COVID‑19)
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place across the country. In England:
- Only socialise indoors with people you live with or who are in your support bubble
- Up to 6 people or 2 households can meet outside
- Work from home if you can and minimise travel
- If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home
If you have no symptoms:
If you have coronavirus symptoms:
- get a PCR test
- 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
Restrictions are easing across the UK.
In England
More businesses and venues can reopen, such as non-essential shops, outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants, hairdressers, and gyms. Read the full guidance on what you can now do.
Free rapid lateral flow tests are now available to everyone without symptoms.
In Scotland
From 16 April, up to 6 people from different households can meet outside. You can travel anywhere in Scotland for outdoor socialising, recreation or exercise, but you cannot stay overnight. Read the timetable for easing restrictions in Scotland on GOV.SCOT.
In Wales
From 12 April, you can travel between Wales and England. Non-essential shops will open and all students will return to school. Read the current rules for Wales on GOV.WALES.
In Northern Ireland
From 30 April, non-essential shops, hairdressers and outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants can reopen. You can also stay overnight in self-contained accommodation but only with your household or bubble. You can read the guidance on current restrictions on nidirect.
Guidance and support
The rules and roadmap
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 test if you have symptoms
- Order rapid lateral flow tests if you do not have symptoms
- Find out about regular rapid lateral flow tests if you do not have symptoms (NHS.UK)
- Report a COVID-19 test result from a lateral flow test kit
- Book a test if you have a verification code
Self-isolation
Work and financial support
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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
Businesses and self-employed people
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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
Schools, universities, education and childcare
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) information about schools, nurseries, colleges and universities.
Popular content
International travel
- International travel is restricted: check coronavirus travel advice
- Travel abroad: step by step
- Entering or returning to the UK
- How to quarantine when you arrive in England
- Booking a stay and tests in a quarantine hotel
- Testing for people travelling to England
- Reduce self-isolation time after travel by paying for a test
Vaccination
See specific guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Announcements
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Remaining university students to return to campus from Step 3 of the roadmap, no earlier than 17 May
Published 13 April 2021
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People aged 45 to 49 invited to book their vaccine appointments
Published 13 April 2021
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Government statement on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine following MHRA update
Published 7 April 2021
UK statistics
Total vaccinations
32.8 million
people have received their first dose
Last updated 17 April 2021
Vaccination data from the coronavirus data dashboard
Daily hospital admissions
179
new patients have been admitted to hospital
Last updated 13 April 2021
Healthcare data from the coronavirus data dashboard
Daily new cases
1,882
people tested positive with COVID-19
Last updated 18 April 2021
Cases data from the coronavirus data dashboard