UK government publishes virus guidance, advises people to wear face-coverings

The UK government Monday officially published a 50-page COVID-19 guidance document that includes details on how England will begin easing restrictions, such as advising people to wear face-coverings in enclosed spaces with others.

"Homemade cloth face-coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances. Face-coverings are not intended to help the wearer, but to protect against inadvertent transmission of the disease to others if you have it symptomatically," the government said.

The document, "Our Plan to Rebuild: The UK Government's COVID-19 recovery strategy" has set out a three-phase approach, starting this week with further lockdown loosening at the start of June and further changes potentially from July 4.

Here are some of the guidelines laid out in the document with regards to people's daily life:

1. Work: For the foreseeable future, workers should continue to work from home rather than their normal physical workplace, wherever possible. All workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open.

2. Schools: Should prepare to begin to open for more children from June 1. The government’s ambition is for all primary school children to return to school before the summer for a month if feasible.

3. Travel: Everybody (including critical workers) should continue to avoid public transport wherever possible. Social distancing guidance on public transport must be followed rigorously. 

4. Public spaces: People can now also spend time outdoors subject to: not meeting up with any more than one person from outside your household; continued compliance with social distancing guidelines to remain two meters away from people outside your household.

5. Non-essential retail: Will reopen in phases from June 1. After July 4, some remaining businesses could open. It includes personal care, hospitality, public places and leisure facilities.