Here’s a brief summary of the latest covid-19 advice about what we all should and shouldn’t do.

Full easing of restrictions has been delayed and will no longer be happening on 21 June. This is so that more people can be given better protection by having the second or first dose of the vaccine before restrictions ease further.

The proposed date for full easing is now 19 July 2021. This may change if circumstances around covid-19 in the country change.

This latest announcement from the government is understandably very disappointing for many people and small businesses. But there is lots that we can all still do.

For the full details of what we can and cannot do refer to the Government guidance on what you can and cannot do. Information is also available to download in translated and easy read documents here: What you can and cannot do – Translations and easy read versions

Key things to remember:

• Keep washing your hands regularly
  Especially before and after you touch your face and items or areas where others have been – like when you get home after shopping.
• Keep wearing your mask or face covering indoors
  And where you are in more populated areas.
• Keep your distance whenever possible
  Two metres is ideal but keeping any kind of space between yourself and others will help reduce the chance of spreading.
• Let fresh air in
  When you do meet friends indoors open a window and increase the air flow inside to reduce the chances of spreading if someone was carrying the virus without symptoms.
• Getting vaccinated offers you better protection against the virus but you can still carry it therefore all the rules and restrictions still apply to those who have been vaccinated.
• Get tested if you have any symptoms or think you have been in contact with someone carrying the virus. Free rapid lateral flow tests are easily available for everyone in England. Forum Central has produced a useful summary of covid testing guidance for Leeds.
• Self isolate if you have covid-19 symptoms, or if you have a positive test result, or if have been in contact with someone carrying the virus.

Overview of current restrictions (15 June until 19 July):

• Up to 6 people can meet indoors, or more than 6 people if they’re from 2 households in total.
• You can visit pubs and restaurants but with table service only.
• You can go to the cinema, theatre, galleries and museums. The numbers of people in these venue will be limited by their capacity. You should book in advance, and seating will be distanced.
• You can go to the gym, leisure centres and swimming pools and indoor group exercise is allowed at venues providing a covid risk assessment is adhered to.
• Weddings and funerals can have more than 30 guests (from 21 June) but people must social distance. The maximum number will vary depending on the covid-safe capacity of the venue.
• Support groups can take place with up to 30 people where officially organised by a business, charity or public body and not taking place in a private home. Full guidance on how to run or attend a support group safely is detailed within the guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities.
• Guidance for care home visits is being updated. Details will be updated on the government’s visiting care homes during coronavirus page.
• Travel abroad is allowed but there are restrictions for different countries. Find out what list the country you are travelling from is on and what you need to do. People arriving in England from abroad will also have to follow specific restrictions depending on where they have been in the 10 days before arrival.
• Nightclubs cannot open

 

• Fines and fixed penalty notices are being issued by the police if you break the rules. These start from £200 up to a maximum of £6,400 for individual rule breakers. People who hold or are involved in holding any illegal large gathering can be fined up to £10,000.

 

The compassion, togetherness and strength that Leeds has shown in dealing with the pandemic has been astonishing. Let’s keep it up and keep on going #TogetherLeeds.

For the full details of current restrictions always refer to Government guidance. Government guidance is provided in translated and easy read documents here: What you can and cannot do – Translations and easy read versions.

 

 

 

 

Forum Central