Coronavirus outbreak FAQs

GOV.UK Guidance

Excerpts from Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do until 4 July

Updated 24 June 2020

1.1 What can I do that I couldn’t do before?

From 13 June, you will be able to:

– Form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household if you live alone or are a single parent with dependent children – in other words, you are in a household where there is only one adult. All those in a support bubble will be able to act as if they live in the same household – meaning they can spend time together inside each other’s homes and do not need to stay 2 metres apart. Support bubbles should be exclusive – meaning you should not switch the household you are in a bubble with or connect with multiple households

– Attend your place of worship for the purposes of individual prayer

From 15 June:

– You will be able to visit any type of shop and some additional outdoor attractions – drive-in cinemas, and animal attractions like zoos, farms and safari parks

– Year 10 and 12 pupils in secondary schools and further education colleges will begin to receive some face to face support

– You will have to wear a face covering on public transport

You will still be able to meet outdoors with groups of up to six people from different households, provided social distancing is observed and you stay 2 metres away from anyone outside your household or support bubble.

As before, you cannot:

– visit friends and family inside their homes (unless you are in a support bubble from 13 June) or for other limited circumstances set out in law

– stay away from your home or your support bubble household overnight – including holidays – except for in a limited set of circumstances, such as for work purposes

– exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool

– use an outdoor gym or playground

– gather outdoors in a group of more than six (unless exclusively with members of your own household or support bubble or for one of the limited set of circumstances set out in the law) 

1.5 What is a criminal offence?

It is a criminal offence to:

– meet indoors with anyone who is not a member of your household or, from 13 June, your support bubble, except for specific exceptions set out in law

– meet outdoors in a group of more than six with people who are not in your household or support bubble, except for specific exceptions set out in law

– incite others to break the rules by e.g. inviting people to a party

– threaten others with infection by coronavirus, for example by coughing or spitting in their direction

1.9 Can I share a private vehicle with someone from another household?

You should avoid sharing a private vehicle with anyone outside of your household or, from 13 June, support bubble as you will not be able to keep to strict social distancing guidelines. The Department for Transport has provided specific guidance on using private vehicles. Please see their guidance on Private cars and other vehicles for more information on car sharing and traveling with people outside your household group.

1.10 Are day trips and holidays ok? Can people stay in second homes?

Day trips to outdoor open space are permitted as long as you can return the same night. You should make sure you do not put others at risk because of services you may need in the time you are away. You should practise social distancing from other people outside your household or support bubble (if applicable). You should continue to avoid using public transport if you can. Consider all other forms of transport before using public transport. If you need to use public transport, you should follow the safer travel guidance for passengers.

You are not permitted to stay overnight away from the place where you or your support bubble are living – for a holiday or similar purpose – in the UK or overseas. This includes staying overnight in a second home. If your work requires you to stay away from home you can do so but should continue to practise social distancing. You can also stay overnight in an emergency, to escape harm or under other limited circumstances.

Premises such as hotels and bed and breakfasts will remain closed, except where providing accommodation for specific reasons set out in law, such as for critical workers where required for a reason relating to their work. Hotels are also available to host those self-isolating after arriving in the UK (where no other accommodation is available).

1.14 Can I visit outdoor tourist sites? What about indoor ones?

Yes, you can still travel to outdoor areas, such as National Parks or beaches. Some venues are not allowed to be open so it is advisable to check ahead to ensure the venue is open to visitors.

Indoor sites and some outdoor attractions are still not allowed to re-open.