Updates for residents
More on coronavirus:
You can also sign up to our email newsletter for updates.
The government’s COVID-19 autumn and winter response
On Tuesday 14 September, the Prime Minister published the government’s plan to limit the spread of COVID-19 during the autumn and winter months.
The plan will mean:
- enhancing the vaccine programme – offering vaccines to 12- to 15-year-olds and implementing a booster programme for vulnerable members of society
- those who test positive for COVID-19 must continue to quarantine by law for ten days. The same applies to over-18s who are not double-vaccinated and come into contact with a positive case
- everyone is encouraged to access free rapid lateral flow tests
- due to the importance of fresh air in limiting the spread of COVID-19, ventilation is vital. People should let fresh air in where they meet indoors, and businesses should ensure there is an adequate supply of fresh air to indoor spaces
- good hand hygiene remains vital and face coverings should be worn in crowded spaces and on public transport
- rules for travel to England are in place, find the latest information below
Further measures may be introduced if required to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS. Read the full details on the GOV.UK website.
Travelling to England from another country
As of Sunday 24 October, the rules for travel to England change. What you must do depends on whether you are fully vaccinated.
There are different rules if you have been in a red list country or territory in the 10 days before you arrive in England. Red list rules apply whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
Read the guidance on the GOV.UK website.
How to stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19
Cases are still high across England and there is a risk you could catch or pass on the virus, even if you are fully vaccinated.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result should stay at home and self-isolate immediately. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible. This still applies even if you have received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Find more information on testing.
All of us can play our part by understanding the situations where risks of COVID-19 infection and transmission are likely to be higher, and taking action to reduce these risks.
This includes:
- getting vaccinated
- letting fresh air in if you meet indoors - meeting outdoors is safer
- wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed areas, health settings and on public transport
- continuing to get regular testing and self-isolate if required
- trying to stay at home if you’re feeling unwell
- washing your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes
- using the NHS COVID-19 app
Read the full guidance on GOV.UK
Find out more on keeping yourself and others healthy and safe