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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, including for people who have been vaccinated. In England:
- You can meet indoors in a group of up to 6 people or a group of any size from 2 households
- You can meet outside in a group of up to 30 people
- Work from home if you can and travel safely
- 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.
From 17 May
The rules for entering England change depending on where you have travelled from outside the UK. Check the rules if you’re entering Scotland, entering Wales or entering Northern Ireland.
You should not travel to red or amber list countries or territories.
In England
A new COVID-19 variant is spreading in some parts of England. Find out what you should do.
From 17 May, you can socialise indoors in a group of up to 6 people or 2 households, including for overnight stays. Up to 30 people can meet outside. Pubs, theatres and other venues can open indoors. Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can open for people on holiday. Read the guidance on what you can do.
In Scotland
From 17 May, most areas are changing COVID-19 protection levels. Find out your area’s level 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
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Find out the rules for international travel.
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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NHS invites people aged 36 and 37 in England for COVID-19 vaccinations (on NHS.UK)
Published 17 May 2021
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Most vulnerable offered second dose of COVID-19 vaccine earlier to help protect against variants
Published 14 May 2021
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Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK
Published 13 May 2021
UK statistics
Total vaccinations
36.8 million
people have received their first dose
Last updated 17 May 2021
Vaccination data from the coronavirus data dashboard
Daily hospital admissions
116
new patients have been admitted to hospital
Last updated 12 May 2021
Healthcare data from the coronavirus data dashboard
Daily new cases
2,412
people tested positive with COVID-19
Last updated 18 May 2021
Cases data from the coronavirus data dashboard