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Coronavirus Kent: Your questions answered about exercise, schools and returning to work during lockdown

By: Ian Johns

Published: 07:02, 11 May 2020

Updated: 18:54, 11 May 2020

Unions, employers and parents have demanded further clarity from Boris Johnson about his lockdown plans after his highly-anticipated statement left many questions unanswered.

The Prime Minister has released a 50-page blueprint today after his Sunday night address tackled many areas including schooling, exercise and return to work, but left many scratching their heads.

Boris Johnson addresses the nation last night. Picture: BBC

The Government has now released "Our Plan to Rebuild: The UK Government's Covid-19 recovery strategy" which sets out a three-phase approach.

The first phase will start this week, with restrictions being eased on June 1 and further changes on July 4 at the earliest - depending on the current spread of the virus.

A foreword in the document from Mr Johnson states: "This document sets out a plan to rebuild the UK for a world with Covid-19.

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"It is not a quick return to 'normality.' Nor does it lay out an easy answer. And, inevitably, parts of this plan will adapt as we learn more about the virus.

"But it is a plan that should give the people of the United Kingdom hope. Hope that we can rebuild; hope that we can save lives; hope that we can safeguard livelihoods.

Explainer: How the new government coronavirus measures will affect you

"It will require much from us all: that we remain alert; that we care for those at most risk; that we pull together as a United Kingdom."

He also announced a new slogan at the weekend, which has changed from "stay at home" to "stay alert".

People have been urged to wear face-coverings on public transport and in some shops.

But businesses such as hairdressers, pubs and restaurants will remained closed for now.

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The Prime Minister also made a statement in the House of Commons today and said reopening the economy will be an "supremely difficult balance to strike".

These are the main things that changed with last night's address - along with the questions we still need answers to.

Am I still limited to how much I can exercise outdoors each day?

Not anymore. From Wednesday people will be encouraged to take more outdoor exercise - even an unlimited amount.

However, this is subject to not meeting up with any more than one person from outside your household, compliance with social distancing guidelines and good hand hygiene - particularly if using shared surfaces.

You will still not be able to use areas like playgrounds, outdoor gyms or ticketed outdoor leisure venues.

Can I sunbathe?

Yes. Boris said: “You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports, but only with members of your own household.”

But a government official later confirmed people will be able to relax and chat with one other person from another household as long as they stay two metres apart.

A bigger drawback may be today's weather in Kent, which is unlikely to rise above 10 degrees.

Can I drive elsewhere to enjoy the outdoors?

Yes, you can drive to other destinations but only with members of your own household.

When I’m outdoors can I play sports?

Yes, but again this must be limited to doing so only with members of your own household and only a few sports facilities will be allowed to reopen.

There is now no time limit on exercise

Can I play team sports?

No - you can only exercise with up to one person from outside your household. Team sports, such as football and rugby, are still not permitted.

What if I don’t obey the social distancing rules?

You could be fined, and the financial penalties will be increased in order to enforce the social distancing rules.

Can I return to work?

You should continue to work from home if you can, but if that’s not possible you should go to work.

Anyone who cannot work from home, perhaps those in construction and manufacturing “should be actively encouraged to go to work” from Monday, the PM said.

Mr Johnson will set out how workplaces can become “Covid-secure” by following new guidance for employers.

Should I wear a face-covering?

People are being advised to wear face-coverings in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible or where they could come into contact with people - including on public transport or in shops.

The Government is now saying homemade cloth face-coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances.

But a face-covering is not the same as a face mask, such as surgical masks used as personal protective equipment. The Government says these supplies must "continue to be reserved for those who need it".

Are schools reopening?

Efforts could be made to get primary school children back in stages, starting with reception, Year 1 and Year 6 at the earliest by June 1, Mr Johnson said. Remaining primary school year groups could be added at later dates.

Some children may return to school on June 1

The Government says its "ambition" is for all primary school children to return to school before the summer for a month - though this will be kept under review.

For secondary school pupils, the priority will be Years 10 and 12 with the aim being to 'get at least some time with their teachers' before the Summer holidays.

A petition set up asking to give parents the choice to send their children back to school has already been signed by 300,000 people, while one school leader in Kent say she is "struggling to understand how a safe return can be facilitated".

Can I use public transport?

Mr Johnson advised people to avoid public transport “if at all possible because we must and will maintain social distancing, and capacity will therefore be limited”. If you do need to use public transport, social distancing measures should be followed.

Mr Johnson advised people to avoid public transport. Stock picture

Train operator Southeastern has told commuters: "We want it to be safe for you to get to work, so in keeping with the latest government advice, please avoid travelling by train unless it’s your only option. Capacity is limited - help us to keep trains for those who really need them."

When will shops reopen?

Garden centres will be allowed to reopen from Wednesday if they can comply with social distancing rules. A phased reopening of other shops could begin at the earliest by June 1, the PM said.

What about pubs?

The Prime Minster hopes to reopen "at least some of the hospitality industry subject to further scientific advice." This is likely to start with cafes with outdoor space.

This morning, Dominic Raab has said pubs, restaurants and other "more difficult sectors" could be allowed to open from July 4.

Pubs will remain closed for now. Stock image

When will sporting events start again?

Sporting and cultural events will not be allowed until June 1 at the earliest. These would take place behind closed-doors for broadcast, while "avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact". Boris Johnson said in the House of Commons today holding sporting events behind closed doors "will provide a much-needed boost".

Can I travel to another part of the UK?

As Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different guidance from England, people have been told not to travel to different parts of the UK where it would be "inconsistent with guidance or regulations" issued by the relevant administration.

The SNP leader in the House of Commons Ian Blackford said the advice remains the same in the devolved nations to "stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives".

When will I be able to see family members not in my household?

The Government is considering a "range of options" to allow people to expand their household group to include one other household in the "same exclusive group". It is also examining how to let people gather in slightly larger groups - including for weddings. But this would not be possible until June 1 at the earliest.

When can I get a haircut?

Hairdressers will not be permitted to open until July 4 at the earliest.

Hairdressers will not be permitted to open yet. Picture: Pxfuel

Will people be stopped from getting on to public transport because of the two-metre social distancing rules?

Boris Johnson said in a statement to the House of Commons today social distancing measures will "inevitably" limit capacity on public transport. He later admitted "it is going to be difficult" to enforce social distancing on public transport.

Will there be different lockdown measures in specific parts of the country?

The Prime Minister said "different measures" will be applied "locally, regionally and nationally" to reduce the spread of the virus.

The unanswered questions

The Prime Minister has been urged to provide clarity on a number of outstanding areas.

These include:

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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