Covid rules: What has changed?
- Published
Big changes to Covid restrictions have been made across the UK.
Scotland is the latest country deciding to ease most rules.
How are rules changing in Scotland?
From Monday 9 August most remaining legal restrictions end. It means:
- No physical distancing, or limits on the size of social gatherings
- No venues legally required to close
However, some requirements will continue, including:
- Face coverings compulsory on public transport and inside places like shops "for some time to come"
- Indoor hospitality venues must collect customer contact details
- Travel restrictions will continue
- People will continue to be advised to work from home where possible
- Organisers of large events must apply for permission
- Restrictions remain in schools for the first six weeks of the new term, including 1m physical distancing
Until 9 August, all of Scotland is at level zero.
What has now changed in England?
Social distancing
Events and gatherings
Travel
Other changes
Limits on visitors to care homes will be removed.
From 16 August, most Covid restrictions in schools - including "bubbles" - will end.
From the same date, fully vaccinated adults will not need to self-isolate after contact with a positive case.
What guidance remains in place in England?
People should continue to meet others outside where possible.
Businesses such as nightclubs - and large events - will be encouraged to use the NHS Covid Pass to check people are fully vaccinated. However, they won't legally have to do so.
People working from home will be encouraged to return to the workplace gradually.
How are the rules changing in Northern Ireland?
Some things have changed:
- 10 people from three households can meet indoors in private dwellings
- 15 people from unlimited households can meet outdoors
- Close contact services can open without pre-booked appointments
- Theatres and concert halls can reopen - tickets must be sold in advance, with allocated seating and 1m social distancing
- Sound levels are no longer restricted at venues, although dancing is not allowed
- MOT test centres can reopen
- Social distancing of 1m (3ft) for many indoors activities, including restaurants, retail and shopping centres
- No social distancing laws outdoors, or on public transport, but 1m (3ft) recommended
From 2 August, people fully vaccinated in the EU (apart from France) or US will no longer have to self-isolate on arrival.
The Northern Ireland Executive will discuss more changes on 12 August.
How are the rules changing in Wales?
Wales has now moved to Alert Level 1. This means:
- Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation
- Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing
- Ice rinks can reopen
- No limits on how many people can meet outdoors in public places, or at events
The six-person limit does not apply if everyone is from the same or extended household.
Adults returning from amber-list countries also no longer have to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated in the UK, and nor do under-18s travelling with them.
The government hopes to move to Alert Level 0 on 7 August. This would mean:
- All premises can open, including nightclubs, with most restrictions replaced by risk assessments
- No legal limits on the number of people who can meet indoors, including private homes
Face coverings will continue to be required in most indoor public places and on public transport for the present time.