Know Before You Go

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Roadmap for easing of restrictions in England
Entering the UK from abroad
The NHS COVID-19 app
We're Good To Go
How to avoid getting sick
Respect, Protect, Enjoy
 

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Roadmap for easing of restrictions in England

In his statement to the House of Commons on Monday 22 February, the Prime Minister announced the government roadmap that outlines how lockdown restrictions will be eased in England over the coming weeks and months. The roadmap is in four steps and before proceeding between each step, the Government will make an assessment made based on four tests: 

1. The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully. 
2. Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated. 
3. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS. 
4. Assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of concern. 

There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the data to reflect changes in restrictions; followed by seven days’ notice of the restrictions to be eased. 

The full roadmap document is available to read here. Please note that a simplified table outlining the changes between each step can be found on pages 43-44 of the document and a summary of the key points are noted below:

Step 4

On 19 July 2021, England moved into step 4 of the Government roadmap. Most legal restrictions to control COVID-19 have been lifted at step 4. This means that:

• You do not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with. There are also no limits on the number of people you can meet.
• However, in order to minimise risk at a time of high prevalence, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with, and increase close contact gradually. This includes minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
• You should meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.
• The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can. However, the Government expects and recommends a gradual return over the summer.
• The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, the Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
• There are no longer limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and other life events (including receptions and celebrations). There is no requirement for table service at life events, or restrictions on singing or dancing. You should follow guidance for weddings and funerals to reduce risk and protect yourself and others.
• There are no longer restrictions on group sizes for attending communal worship. COVID-19 has not gone away, so it’s important to remember the actions you can take to keep yourself and others safe. Everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious.

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Entering the UK from abroad

What you must do when you arrive in England from abroad depends on where you have been in the 10 days before you arrive.

Guidance available on this page outlines countries rated as red, amber or green for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow to enter England.

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The NHS COVID-19 app

The NHS COVID-19 app is part of the Government's large scale coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and contact tracing programme called the NHS Test and Trace service in England and the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect service in Wales. The app will be used, alongside traditional contact tracing, to notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive for coronavirus.

The app allows people to report symptoms, order a coronavirus test, check in to venues by scanning a QR code and it helps the NHS trace individuals that may have coronavirus.

The app will help the NHS understand if the virus is spreading in a particular area, and so local authorities can respond quickly to stop it spreading further and save lives. The app does this while protecting a user’s anonymity. Nobody, including the government, will know who or where a particular user is.

Find out more and download the app.

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We're Good To Go

"We’re Good To Go” is the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

When you see the mark you'll know that a business has taken the necessary measures and is operating in line with the Government guidelines and Public Health guidance clearly set out in a COVID-19 Risk Assessment.

View our list of businesses in Greater Manchester that are 'good to go'.

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How to avoid getting sick 

Approximately 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it.

Remember - ‘Hands. Face. Space.’

• hands – wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds

• face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet

• space – stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)

In all circumstances, you should follow the guidance on meeting others safely.

What to do if you have symptoms

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:

1. Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
2. You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.

Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.

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Respect, Protect, Enjoy

When out and about, we need to remember to look after ourselves, one another and the environment around us. So, to make sure we’re all doing our bit to tread lightly and travel responsibly, we’ve put together a few simple steps to help you enjoy your days out as safely as possible. Find out more by following #respectprotectenjoy.

  • When planning your trip, check that important facilities – like toilets and car parks – are open before you travel so you’re not caught short.

  • If you have an attraction in mind, please check online to see if you need to pre-book a time slot. 

  • Some places may be extremely popular, so get off the beaten track and discover a hidden gem that you can brag to friends about. 

  • Keep two metres apart from anyone outside your household (one metre plus from the 4th July) – this not only applies to walking, but running, cycling, sitting and sunbathing too.

  • Wear your face covering at all times when on public transport like buses, trains, taxis, and minicabs. 

  • Make sure you have a bank card; many outlets are currently only accepting cashless payments – and you don’t want to miss out on that ice cream!

  • Take hand sanitiser with you – you don’t know where will be open for you to wash your hands. 

  • Leave the car behind where possible and visit nearby attractions by walking or cycling.

And here are a few more for you to bear in mind when exploring Greater Manchester’s outdoor spaces:

  • Let's try our best to keep England’s outdoor spaces looking beautiful by putting all rubbish in the nearest bins or taking it home if bins are full. 

  • Whilst enjoying the great outdoors more, you’re likely to come across wildlife. Try not to disturb them, or any farm animals for that matter. Keep your four-legged friend on a lead and remember to bag and bin any mess they leave behind. 

  • Don't use disposable barbecues as they risk causing wildfires – get a takeaway burger instead.

  • Stick to designated footpaths and follow local signage for restrictions on routes.

The countryside code contains advice for the public and landowners, making it easier for visitors to help respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors.