COVID-19 Roadmap

On 22nd February 2021, the Prime Minister announced the steps which will be taken to lead the country out of COVID-19 and back to normal life.

Step 1 - from 8th March

Step 1a

The first stage of the roadmap will come into operation on 8th March, with schools and colleges returning to full-time education for all students. To enable parents to work, wraparound care - including after school sports - will also resume. Other restrictions remain in place.

Step 1b

On 29th March, the legal requirement to stay at home will end. Organised outdoor sport for both children and adults will resume. Outdoor sport and leisure facilities can reopen, and organised outdoor parent & child groups can operate once again (up to a maximum of 15 people, excluding under 5s). The rule of six will return, enabling groups of six people or up to two households to meet together outdoors.

Next Steps

Whilst Step 1 is confirmed, the move to Steps 2-4 will depend on these tests being met:

Tests

Providing the tests are met, the government hopes to move to:

Step 2 - no earlier than 12th April

Step 2

No earlier than 12th April, all retail (including non-essential businesses), libraries, personal care, indoor leisure (including gyms) and outdoor attractions can reopen. Outdoor hospitality and indoor parent and child groups (up to a maximum of 15, excluding under 5s), can resume. Domestic overnight stays will be permitted too.

Step 3 - no earlier than 17th May

Step 3

No earlier than 17th May, indoor hospitality and indoor entertainment/attractions will reopen. Organised indoor sport and all remaining accommodation will be permitted to reopen too. Larger events such as significant life events or entertainment and sporting events will resume. And the position on international travel will be reviewed at this stage.

Step 4 - no earlier than 21st June

Step 4

Step 4, no earlier than 21st June, will represent a complete return to normal life.

COVID-19

Understandably, lots of people have been contacting me about COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. It is still important that we all continue to follow official public health guidelines.

COVID-19 Scams

COVID-19 has unfortunately been seen by some criminals as an opportunity. Many of us are feeling more vulnerable than we normally would.

COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is now being rolled out across the Two Cities. A number of people have contacted Nickie, asking various questions about the vaccine.

Groceries and Food Delivery in the Cities of London & Westminster

Our supermarket chains have worked hard, and are continuing to do so together, to ensure that the UK remains fed.

Guidance for Employees

The government has announced a package of measures to protect jobs and incomes as part of the national effort in response to Coronavirus, COVID-19.

Guidance for the Self-Employed

Millions of people across the UK have benefited from the new coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, with those eligible receiving a cash grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profit over the last three years, up to £2,500 per month.

Renters and landlords

In response to the financial impact of the Coronavirus the Government announced a package of protections for renters and landlords including; Emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or private rented accommodation while this national emergency is taking place

Support for Businesses

The Government has brought forward a package of comprehensive measures to support businesses through COVID-19. The package has included: A Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Deferring VAT and Income Tax payments A Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs A 12-month business rat