Are there legal restrictions in England during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 23, 2026
Are there legal restrictions in England during the COVID-19 pandemic?
With the publication of the Living with COVID plan, the government has ended legal restrictions in England and is instead asking the public to practice specific safe and responsible behaviours as the primary means of stopping the spread of the virus.
Can I excercise outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic?
Do not exercise if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Stay home and rest, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
If you are able to go for a walk or bicycle ride always practice physical distancing and wash your hands with water and soap before you leave, when you get to where you are going, and as soon as you get home. If water and soap are not immediately available, use alcohol-based hand rub.
When did England return to Plan A measures during the COVID-19 pandemic?
On Thursday 27 January, England returned to Plan A measures following the huge success of the vaccination programme and falling Omicron infections.
Do I need a negative COVID-19 test to travel?
Pre-departure travel tests ('fit to fly') You may need proof of a negative COVID-19 test before travelling abroad. Providers often call these fit to fly tests. The testing requirements are set by the country you want to travel to, and sometimes the airline you're flying with.
Private providers offering these tests must meet the government's minimum standards for general population testing services in order to legally provide the services. We do not currently host a separate list for 'fit to fly'.
Can I drive during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Providing you have a current driving licence and you have not been told by your doctor or optician that you should not drive, you may be able to drive while DVLA is considering your application and waiting for a response from NHS professionals.
Can I drive while receiving my driving licence application during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We are receiving a high volume of enquiries about driving while your driving licence application is with DVLA. If your application has been sent to DVLA you may be able to continue to drive while we are processing your application, subject to meeting certain criteria. This applies to most types of application.
Can I walk someone else's dog during the COVID-19 pandemic?
If it is not possible for someone else to exercise the animal for you, you may take the animal to exercise outdoors. You should visit places where you will not have contact with other people.
If you are exercising an animal on behalf of someone who is avoiding contact with people, you should wash your hands before and after contact with it. Working with animals Follow the guidance for working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19). As an employer, you should consider: completing a health and safety risk asse
How long will it take for me to receive my COVID-19 test result if I'm in managed quarantine?
You will normally receive your test results 48 hours after taking the test. If your NHS Test and Trace test result does not arrive within 48 hours you should call 119. If you receive an inconclusive test result, you will need to take a replacement test.
Can I go abroad if I don't have the COVID-19 vaccine?
If you have not been fully vaccinated, you should continue to follow the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to, such as proof of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival. You should carefully research the requirements of your destination country before travelling.
How to get proof of COVID-19 vaccination for international travel UK?
If you require non-digital proof of your booster vaccination for international travel, you can order an NHS COVID Pass letter via the NHS 119 service or via NHS.UK. Your letter will show a 2D barcode for each vaccination you've received, including your booster vaccination.
When were Plan B measures for COVID-19 introduced?
Plan B measures were initially introduced on 8 December 2021 to slow the spread of the Omicron variant and buy time for scientists to better understand it and get more jabs in arms. The Get Boosted Now appeal was launched, bringing the date for all adults to be offered a booster to the New Year.
When was COVID-19 first reported?
On this website you can find information and guidance from WHO regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that was first reported from Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019.
When was COVID-19 declared a pandemic?
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.
How long should I exercise for during quarantine?
Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable tools to help you remain calm and continue to protect your health during this time. WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both.
What are some exercises that you can do to stay physically active during self-quarantine?
Bridge
Plant your feet firmly on the ground with the knees over the heels. Lift the hips as much as it feels comfortable and slowly lower them again. Perform this exercise 10–15 times (or more), rest for 30–60 seconds, and repeat up to 5 times. This exercise strengthens your glutes.
Chair dips
Hold onto the seat of a chair, with your feet about half a meter away from the chair. Bend your arms as you lower your hips to the ground, then straighten the arms. Perform this exercise 10–15 times (or more), rest for 30–60 seconds, and repeat up to 5 times. This exercise strengthens your triceps.
Chest opener
Interlace your fingers behind your back. Stretch your arms and open your chest forward. Hold this position for 20–30 seconds (or more). This position stretches your chest and shoulders.
Child's pose
With the knees on the ground, bring your hips to your heels. Rest your belly on your thighs and actively
How large does a meeting or event need to be in order to be a “mass gathering” during the COVID-19 pandemic?
High profile international sporting events such as the Olympics or World Cups as well as international religious events such as the Hajj count as mass gatherings.
Is the NHS Covid pass available for overseas COVID-19 vaccinations?
Getting your NHS COVID Pass. Eligible overseas vaccinations will display within your NHS COVID Pass in the same way as vaccines administered under the UK vaccination programme. However, you may see some fields left blank for overseas vaccines. Non-eligible overseas vaccinations will not generate an NHS COVID Pass.
What should I do if I have COVID-19 vaccine side effects?
Most side effects are mild or moderate and go away within a few days of appearing. If side effects such as pain and/or fever are troublesome, they can be treated by medicines for pain and fever such as paracetamol.
Is it mandatory to get a COVID-19 vaccination in a care home?
From 11 November 2021 care homes must only allow individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (or exempt) entry inside of a care home. This requirement will apply to those visiting a care home in a professional capacity unless exempt.
Are smokers more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19?
Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for many respiratory infections and increases the severity of respiratory diseases. A review of studies by public health experts convened by WHO on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.
How long do you usually have to self-isolate if you are unvaccinated and test positive for COVID-19 in France?
If youre unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and you havent had COVID-19 in the last 4 months, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the day on which you first develop symptoms, or 10 days from the date of the positive test result.
Can I take a PCR test to post office while isolating for COVID-19?
You must not enter any post office with your test kit.
Can I get COVID-19 from my pet?
COVID-19 in the UK is spread between humans. There is limited evidence that some animals, including pets, can become infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) following close contact with infected humans.
Do pets need to be washed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There is no evidence that you need to wash your pets to control the spread of COVID-19.
Can I take my dog to the vet if I'm isolating for COVID-19?
Veterinary care. If an animal in your care needs emergency veterinary care while you're avoiding contact with people, you should consider arranging for someone else to take it to the vet. You can take the animal to the vet yourself if necessary.