New 10-day rule for self-isolation
If you test positive for coronavirus, or you have symptoms, you now need to self-isolate for 10 days rather than seven. The self-isolation period remains at 14 days for household members of a positive case, people contacted through NHS Test and Trace, and people returning to the UK from certain countries.
More places on face covering list
The government is adding museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship to the list of places where face coverings should be worn in England. This is a recommendation at the moment, but will become law on 8 August. It’s been compulsory to wear them in shops since 24 July.
Eat out, help out…and save 50%
Thousands of outlets across the UK have signed up to the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Look out for the logo or find an outlet online. The logo means diners that eat in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday in August – and no voucher is needed. You can take advantage of the offer as many times as you like during the month.
Changes to shielding guidance
From tomorrow, the guidance on shielding is changing. If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable you will no longer be advised to take the extra precautions that were in place during the peak of the pandemic. You can get help from NHS Volunteer Responders to deliver the food, prescriptions and essential items you buy, and will still be eligible for priority supermarket slots if you’re already registered.
How has your world changed?
Our month-long survey looking at the impact of coronavirus on Portsmouth will come to an end on Friday 7 August. Before then we want to make sure everyone has had the chance to tell us how they’ve been affected by the pandemic – when it comes to work, finances, travel, family life and health. We know the pandemic has affected people in different ways, depending on factors like age, health, ethnicity, work situation or home life. So we want to hear from as many different voices in the city as possible. If you’ve already completed the survey, encourage your friends, children, families and colleagues to take part. By looking at everyone’s experiences we can better shape the city’s recovery, keep Portsmouth safe, and help everyone look to a brighter future.
Making sure you stay up to date
We’re doing everything we can to make sure we’re directing you to the most up-to-date information and advice. It’s important to make sure you get information from official sources. As well as links to official information about what’s happening nationally, you can find the latest information about coronavirus, how it’s affecting Portsmouth and how you can get help on our website. We’re also putting regular updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
