The things you are allowed to do outside during the lockdown
Follow the rules!
Last updated 20th Apr 2020
While the current lockdown shows no signs of letting up, spending some time outdoors could help with your physical and mental wellbeing. As long as government guidelines on social-distancing are being followed, people are allowed to leave their homes in certain circumstances.
Previously, the public were told they could only go outdoors to exercise once per day, to buy essential goods and to travel to work if it was not possible to work from home.
New police guidelines has expanded on that list, with officers being told to consider a string of scenarios that could be deemed reasonable under Coronavirus lockdown rules.
The Government has also asked councils to keep parks open, stating access was necessary for the health of the nation, while grieving families have been told they can now attend funerals and visit graveyards.
Here is a list of things you are allowed to do outdoors:
Exercise
The public can go outdoors, either in the city or in the countryside, to exercise, which includes running, cycling, walking, practising yoga and attending an allotment.
While police guidelines say exercising more than once a day is likely to be reasonable, it gives officers discretion in deciding whether repeated exercise on the same day can be considered a 'reasonable excuse' for leaving home''.
Stop to have a quick rest
People who go out to exercise are allowed to stop to take a short rest if you absolutely have to. However, police can question those who take a short walk to a park bench if they remain seated longer than they have been walking.
Make urgent repairs to essential items
The public are allowed to head out to buy tools and supplies, for example, to repair a fence panel damaged in recent bad weather.
To provide support to a vulnerable person
You can deliver food packages and offer care and support to vulnerable people in your area.
This rule applies to all volunteers and not just those who work for an organisation or charity.
While socialising is not allowed, there may be exceptional circumstances for someone to visit a vulnerable person, for example, if a hospital has authorised a visit.
To attend a funeral or visit a cemetery or graveyard
Families were told they will be able to attend a funeral to mourn for their loves ones.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing, Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said: For clarity, funerals can go ahead with close family present.
Social distancing measures must be respected, but families must have the opportunity to say a respectful goodbye to those that they love.'' More information here
To take pets to the vets in an emergency
Vet surgeries remain open to the public, allowing pet owners to take their animals for emergency treatment.
People are encouraged to sort medical needs for their pets over the phone where possible, such as renewing prescriptions.
To travel to work if you cannot work from home
A person who is considered a key worker by the Government, including NHS staff, teachers and public transport workers, are allowed to travel to and from work.
But non-key workers are also allowed to travel to work if it is not reasonably possible to work from home.
There is no requirement for people to have written proof of a need to go to work, and police guidelines say officers should not ask for ID or any other kind of document.
Stay home, save lives, protect the NHS.