Latest guidance
Latest Government guidance
The Government’s roadmap out of lockdown has now been published. It outlines four steps for easing restrictions. Before proceeding to the next step, the Government will examine the data to assess the impact of previous steps.
This assessment will be based on four tests:
- the vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
- evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
- infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
- 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.
Current guidance is ‘Stay Local’
Step one
From 29 March the 'Stay at Home' rule ended. However, many restrictions remain in place. From 12 April, changes include:
Social contact
The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. Outfoor gatherings (included in private gardens) of either six people (the Rule of six) or two households are now allowed, makint it easier for friends and families to meet outside.
Business and activities
From 12 April, all non-essential retail, personal care, libararies and community centres, most outdoor attractions, indoor leisure including gyms and outdoor hospitality will reopen.
Travel
Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed.
See further information of the Government Roadmap and the future steps.
Financial support
The furlough scheme has been extended so that employees can access up to 80 per cent of their salary up to £2,500 a month if they are put on furlough. There is other help available through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Job Support Scheme and the New Style Employment and Support Allowance. More information can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Shielding
As formal 'shielding' has now come to an end (from 1 April) Caring for Plymouth has stepped down. Over three separate lockdowns, the partnership has helped to provide a vital lifeline for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) to COVID-19. In all, the team made and received around 18,400 calls. Residents who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable are being advised to work from home if the can and take extra precautions should they need to go out. Supermarkets have committed to continuing priority supermarkets delivery slots until 21 June for those that already have them.
For the latest information on shielding visit the Gov.uk website.
Help is available to support those shielding on our I need help page.
We recognise that this will be concerning for some and we are here to help and support you. Please contact your advice helpline by emailing covid19@plymouth.gov.uk or by calling 01752 668000.
More information
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak on the GOV.UK website.
Find health information and advice on the NHS website.
Our measures to protect Plymouth
We have developed a Local Outbreak Management Plan (LOMP) to keep our communities, businesses and visitors safe. The plan sets out measures to minimise further local outbreaks of COVID-19 and respond quickly to limit the spread of the virus in the event of an outbreak.
Number of cases in Plymouth
The number of cases in Plymouth has been rising rapidly. You can find the information on confirmed cases in Plymouth on our Position in Plymouth page.
Advice helpline
We are here to help.
If you have any issues, concerns or need advice on Coronavirus please email the Public Health Team at covid19@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 668000.
We are here to support and work with our residents and businesses. It is important that we all work together to keep our city safe.
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