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Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do.
Coronavirus (COVID‑19)
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place across the country. In England:
- Only socialise indoors with people you live with or who are in your support bubble
- Up to 6 people or 2 households can meet outside
- Work from home if you can and minimise travel
- If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home
If you have no symptoms:
If you have coronavirus symptoms:
- get a PCR test
- stay at home
Find out what support you can get
For example, if you’re out of work, need to get food, or want to take care of your mental health.
Recent and upcoming changes
Restrictions are easing across the UK.
On 6 May
Elections in England, Scotland and Wales. Find out how to vote safely, including how to apply for an emergency proxy vote if you’re self-isolating.
From 23 April
India is added to the ‘red list’ of countries you cannot enter the UK from.
In England
More businesses reopen, such as shops, outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants, hairdressers, and gyms. Read the guidance on what you can do.
In Scotland
There are 5 COVID-19 protection levels (0-4). From 26 April, all of Scotland is at Level 3. Read the timetable for easing restrictions in Scotland on GOV.SCOT.
In Wales
From 3 May, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can open. Children and adults can take part in indoor organised activities. Your household can choose one other household to meet indoors, becoming an extended household. Read the rules for Wales on GOV.WALES.
In Northern Ireland
From 30 April, non-essential shops, hairdressers and outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants can reopen. You can stay overnight in self-contained accommodation but only with your household or bubble. Read the guidance on current restrictions on nidirect.
Guidance and support
The rules and roadmap
Testing and self-isolating
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Find out about the different types of coronavirus (COVID-19) test and how to get tested.
Getting tested
- Get a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms
- Order rapid lateral flow tests if you do not have symptoms
- Surge testing for people without symptoms: how to get a test, and locations in England
- Find out about regular rapid lateral flow tests if you do not have symptoms on NHS.UK
- Report a test result from a lateral flow test kit
- Book a test if you have a verification code
Self-isolation
Self-employment and businesses
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Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support for your business or if you’re self-employed, and find out how to keep your business and your employees safe.
Popular content
Work and financial support
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Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support if you’re working less or not working - and find out how to stay safe at work.
Popular content
Schools, universities, education and childcare
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) information about schools, nurseries, colleges and universities.
International travel
- International travel is restricted: check coronavirus travel advice
- Travel abroad: step by step
- Entering or returning to the UK
- How to quarantine when you arrive in England
- Booking a stay and tests in a quarantine hotel
- Testing for people travelling to England
- Reduce self-isolation time after travel by paying for a test
Vaccination
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Find out who can get the vaccine, how to book or manage your appointment, information on vaccine safety, and vaccines in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
See specific guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Announcements
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Ofqual publishes decisions on GCSE, AS and A level exams in the autumn
Published 4 May 2021
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Surge testing to be deployed in Hounslow, Middlesex
Published 3 May 2021
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Care homes residents allowed more out-of-home visits, from 4 May
Published 1 May 2021
UK statistics
Total vaccinations
34.7 million
people have received their first dose
Last updated 03 May 2021
Vaccination data from the coronavirus data dashboard
Daily hospital admissions
160
new patients have been admitted to hospital
Last updated 27 April 2021
Healthcare data from the coronavirus data dashboard
Daily new cases
1,946
people tested positive with COVID-19
Last updated 04 May 2021
Cases data from the coronavirus data dashboard