UK: Authorities extend coronavirus disease-related restrictions in Northern Ireland through March 5 /update 53

Northern Ireland, UK, extends coronavirus disease-related measures until at least March 5; related restrictions remain in place elsewhere.

Event

Authorities in Northern Ireland have extended their coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions until March 5 at least. The following restrictions remain in place:

People must remain at home except for essential work, grocery shopping, seeking medical help, and outdoor exercise within 10 miles (16 km) of their accommodation.
Separate households are prohibited from mixing in private homes; a maximum of 10 people can meet in private yards.
Nonessential businesses are closed.
Pubs and restaurants may open for takeout and delivery 0600-2000.
Public gatherings are limited to six people from a maximum of two households.

Authorities in Scotland previously extended their COVID-19 restrictions until at least Feb. 28. People continue to remain at home and work from home except for essential purposes. Outdoor gatherings are limited to two people from two different households and only essential stores remain open. These restrictions temporarily replace the previous tiered restrictions, except in the case of the islands of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands, and the Shetland Islands, which remain under Tier-3. In these areas, indoor gatherings of persons from different households are prohibited; outdoor gatherings of up to six people from two different households are allowed. In addition, all entertainment venues must remain closed; pubs and restaurants may stay open until 1800 for food and nonalcoholic beverage service. Hotels are to be used for essential purposes only. Travel between council areas is forbidden except for essential purposes.

Each of the UK's constituent countries has the authority to impose travel and other restrictions, though they have typically remained closely aligned in their actions. Specific nationwide measures include a requirement that facemasks be worn in enclosed public spaces, including on public transport. Other measures include the following:

England

The following measures temporarily replace the previously introduced tiered restrictions:

People must remain at home except for essential work, grocery shopping, seeking medical help, and outdoor exercise once per day.
Public gatherings are prohibited.
All nonessential stores are closed.
Restaurants may open for takeout and delivery only.
Schools and colleges are limited to distance learning.

Wales

The following measures are in effect:

People must remain at home except for essential work, grocery shopping, seeking medical help, and outdoor exercise.
Up to two households may form a social bubble allowing them to visit each other inside their homes.
Public gatherings are banned, except for members of the same household or support bubble.
Nonessential businesses are closed.
Restaurants may open for takeout and delivery only.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Context

The UK has embarked on a major vaccination program, which aims to have vaccinated all members of groups most-vulnerable to the more severe effects of COVID-19 by Feb. 15. Authorities expect that the vaccination will have provided these groups with improved immunity by early March, and it is likely that the UK will then begin a phased return to the previous tiered system, with local restrictions being eased in accordance with local case numbers.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all domestic travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.