Coronavirus

From 12 April 2021, some of the rules on what you can and cannot do have changed. However, many restrictions remain in place. You must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with, unless you have formed a support bubble with them, or another exemption applies. You should continue to work from home if you can and minimise the number of journeys you make where possible. You should get a test and follow the stay at home guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

From 12 April:

• non-essential retail can reopen
• personal care services such as hairdressers and nail salons can reopen, including those provided from a mobile setting
• public buildings such as libraries and community centres can reopen
• outdoor hospitality venues can reopen, with table service only
• most outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in performances (such as cinemas and concerts) can reopen
• some smaller outdoor events such as fetes, literary fairs, and fairgrounds can take place
• indoor leisure and sports facilities can reopen for individual exercise, or exercise with your household or support bubble
• all childcare and supervised activities are allowed indoors (as well as outdoors) for all children. Parent and child groups can take place indoors (as well as outdoors) for up to 15 people (children under 5 will not be counted in this number)
• weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, wakes and other commemorative events can take place for up to 15 people (anyone working is not included in this limit), including in indoor venues that are permitted to open or where an exemption applies. Wedding receptions can also take place for up to 15 people, but must take place outdoors, not including private gardens
• self-contained accommodation can stay open for overnight stays in England with your household or support bubble
• care home residents will be able to nominate two named individuals for regular indoor visits (following a rapid lateral flow test)
• you should continue to work from home if you can and minimise the amount that you travel where possible.

Keeping yourself and others safe

Social distancing is still very important. You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.

Meeting family and friends indoors

You must not meet indoors with anybody you do not live with, unless you have formed a support bubble with them (if you are eligible), or another legal exemption applies.

Meeting friends and family outdoors (rule of 6)

You can meet up outdoors with friends and family you do not live with, either:

• in a group of up to 6 from any number of households (children of all ages count towards the limit of 6)
• in a group of any size from up to two households (each household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible)

If you’re in a support bubble

If you are eligible to form a support bubble, you and your support bubble count as one household towards the limit of 2 households when meeting others outdoors. This means, for example, that you and your support bubble can meet with another household, even if the group is more than 6 people.

Where you can meet

You can meet in a group of 6 or a larger group of any size from up to 2 households (including their support bubbles) outdoors. This includes private outdoor spaces, such as gardens, and other outdoor public places and venues that are open. These include the following:

• parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
• public and botanical gardens
• the grounds of a heritage site
• outdoor sculpture parks
• allotments
• public playgrounds
• outdoor sports venues and facilities
• outdoor hospitality venues
• outdoor attractions

If you need to enter through a house to get to a garden or other outside space and there is no alternative access, you should wear a face covering, wash or sanitise your hands when entering, and then go straight to the outside space. If you need to use the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly and go back outside immediately. You should maintain social distancing from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble, and hosts should follow fresh air (ventilation) guidance.

When you can meet with more people or meet indoors

Gatherings above the limit of 6 people or 2 households outdoors, or any gatherings indoors, can only take place if they are permitted by an exemption. These exemptions are listed on this page.

This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaking the limit if they are there for work, and the officiant at a wedding would not count towards the limit.

Detailed government guidance and information.

Celebrating Ramadan 2021

TellMAMA and British Transport Police have produced advice and tips for personal safety and for mosques (masjids) during Ramadan.

NHS information

The NHS have started vaccinations against coronavirus at hospital hubs and GP-led services around the country. The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to receive the vaccination and advise on your nearest vaccination centre. There are now more than 30 vaccination centres across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.

In the UK, there are 2 types of COVID-19 vaccine that are approved so far. They both require 2 doses to provide the best protection. Both have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. Although you may get some protection from the first dose, having the second dose will give you the best protection against the virus.

The vaccine cannot give you the COVID-19 infection, and a full course will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you.

To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues, you still need to:

• practise social distancing
• wear a face mask
• wash your hands carefully and frequently
• follow the current guidance

Protect yourself and others
What to do if you think you have symptoms
Easy read information leaflets
Leaflet for children

Other

Financial support

Some Gypsies and Travellers, especially those living in caravans, vehicles and canal boats, are likely to be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Social distancing or self-isolation can be particularly challenging for members of these communities, which is why Government have published specific public health guidance to help those leading a nomadic way of life.

Guidance for those leading a nomadic way of life

Information about the tier system is available in a range of languages.

The organisation Doctors of the World, in partnership with the British Red Cross, Migrant Help and Clear Voice, has produced written translations of key Government advice in 60 languages.

The advice is also available in video format in 10 languages.

More resources

Thank you to the National Autism Society for these visual aids about social distancing.

The new regulations came into force on 6 January 2021 for the duration of the national lockdown. All restrictions are being reviewed at least once every 28 Days.

Police will lead enforcement in relation to breaches of requirements placed on individuals, in particular restrictions on movement and restrictions on gatherings. Enforcement in relation to breaches by businesses will be led by local authorities.

Detailed government guidance and information

Engage, explain, encourage and enforce

The Police and Crime Commissioner wishes to reassure members of the public that “policing’s first action will be to engage, explain and encourage those creating risk to return home, obey social distancing and not to congregate. Ultimately if this does not create the right response, the additional powers are welcome options to have.”

Police officers have been engaging with the public and explaining that following the regulations helps to prevent the spread of the virus and save lives. The efforts of the public mean police officers have rarely had to enforce the Government regulations during the first national lockdown in spring 2021. They are confident the vast majority will continue to do their bit and follow guidance in this new lockdown.

However, if the individual or group do not respond appropriately, then enforcement can follow without repeated attempts to encourage people to comply with the law.

The police will apply the law in a system that is flexible, discretionary and pragmatic. This will enable officers to make sensible decisions and employ their judgement. Enforcement should be a last resort.

If members of the public do not comply the police (including PCSOs) may:

• instruct them to go home, leave an area or disperse
• ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules
• issue a fixed penalty notice of £200 for gathering with other people (exceptions apply)
• issue a fixed penalty notice of £10,000 for the offence of organising or facilitating a gathering

The fixed penalty notice for participating in gatherings amounts double for each subsequent offence, up to £6,400 for the sixth and subsequent offences.

In December last year, the NHS began rolling out the vaccination programme with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine reaching patients 80 years of age and above, as well as frontline health and social care staff, based on the JCVI guidance for priority groups. The COVID-19 vaccination programme has gained further momentum with the news that the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine has been authorised for use. The first Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccinations started to be delivered to sites across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight at the beginning of January.

Local delivery of the vaccination programme

The NHS has planned extensively to deliver the largest vaccination programme in its history, providing three different delivery methods:

• Hospital Hubs – focus on NHS Trust and social care staff
• Local Vaccine Services – provided by GPs working together as Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
• Vaccination Centres – large sites based within local communities and convenient for transport networks.

By the end of January, six hospital hubs, more than 40 Local Vaccine Services and four Vaccine Centres will be live across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Residents will be contacted directly with an invitation for their vaccination, and all those vaccinated will need a booster jab within 12 weeks.

Local NHS teams are urging members of the public not to contact their practice about vaccination as practices are being hindered from making outgoing calls, booking appointments, or taking calls from those who need urgent care:

• Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, we will contact you
• When we do contact you, please attend your booked appointments
• Please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives.

Please wait to be contacted by the NHS for an appointment. When it is the right time people will be contacted to make their appointments. For most people they will receive a letter either from their GP or the national booking system; this will include all the information they need, including their NHS number. Some services are currently also phoning and texting patients to invite them in. Find out more about how you will be contacted on the NHS website.

Further information about the vaccine and what happens at the appointment

Be alert to vaccine scams

Criminals are using the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to target the public by tricking them to hand over cash or financial details. They are sending convincing-looking text messages letting people know they are eligible for the vaccine or phoning people directly pretending to be from the NHS, or local pharmacy.

The NHS will:

• never ask for payment – the vaccine is free
• never ask for your bank details
• never arrive announced at your home to administer the vaccine
• never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport

Coronavirus Scams Warning

• Comprehensive guide from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit about the types of fraud and scams reported in relation to COVID-19, what to look out for, and how to keep yourself safe
• Hampshire Constabulary leaflet detailing the latest types of fraud and scams related to COVID-19 
• Printer-friendly version of the Hampshire Constabulary leaflet detailing the latest types of fraud and scams
• Information leaflet on mandate fraud for businesses, charities and community organisations

NHS vaccine scams

Criminals are using the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to target the public by tricking them to hand over cash or financial details. They are sending convincing-looking text messages letting people know they are eligible for the vaccine or phoning people directly pretending to be from the NHS, or local pharmacy.

The NHS is the only organisation which has access to the vaccine, and will never ask for money or prove of identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport. Medical or health professionals will not come to your home unannounced and without prior notification. If anyone attempts to force or coerce you into handing over funds – in person or otherwise – always contact the police.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) scams – be extra vigilant

The HSAB has been made aware that Scammers are trying to take advantage of people’s worries and uncertainty about the pandemic, especially those who are alone, self-isolating or in financial difficulty within the Hampshire Area. 

Coronavirus-related scams include:

• Sales of fake products such as face masks, supplements, anti-virus kits and sanitisers, which may be harmful or simply never arrive
• Bogus healthcare workers who try to gain access to your home by claiming to offer testing for COVID-19
• People pretending to be from charities offering to do shopping or carry out cleansing tasks
• Emails asking for donations to the NHS.

The HSAB Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Hub has information on where to get help and find out more information on COVID-19: https://www.hampshiresab.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-public-and-professionals

NHS Test and Trace scams

Contact tracers will only call you from the number 0300 013 5000. Anyone who does not wish to talk over the phone can request the NHS Test and Trace service to send an email or text instead, inviting them to log into the web-based service.

All text or emails sent by NHS Test and Trace will ask people to sign into the contact tracing website and will provide you with a unique reference number. We would advise people to type the web address https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk directly into their browser, followed by the unique reference number given to you, rather than clicking on any link provided in the message.

The NHS Test and Trace service will never:

• ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to them (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
• ask you to make any form of payment or purchase a product or any kind
• ask for any details about your bank account
• ask for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
• ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone
• ask you to download any software to your PC or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet to anyone else
• ask you to access any website that does not belong to the government or NHS

Other things to beware of

• Be aware of people offering miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19). Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms until you recover.
• Home cleaning services.
• People impersonating healthcare workers, claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy.
• Emails saying that you can get a refund on taxes, utilities or similar are usually bogus and they are just after your personal and bank details.
• There are lots of fake products available to buy online that say they can protect you or cure coronavirus. These will not help and are designed to take your money.
• There are new mobile phone applications that claim to give you updates on the virus but instead, they lock your phone and demand a ransom.
• Your bank or the police will never ask for your bank details over the phone.
• People offering to do your shopping or collecting medication and asking for money upfront and then disappearing.

Doorstep fraud

Groups are setting up all over the county to offer support to people who are isolating. Whilst in the vast majority of these cases, the individuals will be well intentioned, there may be some who see this as an opportunity for their own criminal gain.

People carrying out shopping on behalf of you, or a loved one, will at some point need to be paid. If you give them cash, how do you know they will come back with the goods? If you give them your bank cards, they have access to all of your funds.

• Stop – never do anything you don’t want to or make any decisions on the spot.
• Check – Check for ID but remember most of these are community volunteers so wouldn’t necessarily have ID. There is no way of knowing whether they are legitimate.
• Ask – Ask someone you trust for a second opinion, or ask them if they can provide the support you need.
• Mine – If they ask for your card or your pin, remember this is very personal information which should not be shared.
• Share – If you come across a scam, share your experience with others if possible to prevent them from being scammed.

Doorstep fraud is a crime. It happens to a wide range of people with all sorts of backgrounds. Please report it if it happens to you.

Security advice

If you are allowed to stay open please consider steps to keep your business safe and secure, especially now that additional measures to observe social distancing also have to be taken into account.

Download a bulletin with useful guidance here.

If you are keeping your premises closed, it’s important for you to review your security measures to reduce the chances of them being targeted by criminals.

Secured by Design, the Police Digital Security Centre, and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office have put together a number of tips to help you keep your business and your premises safe during this time.

Top 10 security tips for closed business premises

Top 10 cyber security tips for working from home

Financial support

Check the business support page on gov.uk for more information. There is also a handy tool to find out what support you are entitled to on the Coronavirus Support Finder.

Supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse

The Government has put together a Domestic Abuse Guide for Employers to help them support members of staff who are or may be experiencing domestic abuse.

The Victim Care Service provides support for victims of crime to cope with, and recover from, the harmful effects of the crime they have experienced. The service is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner and provided by Victim Support.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has required the Victim Care Service to make changes in line with Government and Public Health England advice to protect the safety of staff, volunteers, service users and the public.

While the VCS is no longer able to offer face-to-face meetings at this time and users will no longer be able to ‘drop in’ to any office locations, there is still help available over the phone.

• The VCS can now be contacted for self-referrals and queries from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday on 0808 178 1641.
• Any calls to the service made within 8am-9am and 5pm-8pm Mon-Fri and 8am-8pm Saturday will be diverted to Victim Support’s national support line, so the call will still be answered.
• Self-referrals can still be made via the Victim Care Service website, the Victim Support website or the Live Chat facility.

The Victim Care Service leaflet can be downloaded here.

Leaflets in other languages are available here.

The Victim Care Service is open to all victims no matter what the type of crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police or not, and no matter how recently or how long ago the crime took place.

We know that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) will have a serious impact on the lives of women, children and men who are experiencing domestic abuse. Fears over jobs, financial pressure, school closures, working from home and all the other current changes to our day to day lives are likely to result in an increase in domestic abuse incidents.

The restrictions put in place while the government tries to slow the spread of the virus can leave those already living with domestic abuse fearful of being isolated in the house with their abuser and as if there is nowhere to go for help.

Please remember that you can still call 999 if you or someone else is in danger.

While some domestic abuse support services are not able to offer face to face meetings at this time, there is still help and advice available online and over the phone. These local and national organisations are working hard to ensure they can still support you.

• Victim Care Service (Hampshire and Isle of Wight) – 0808 178 1641
  
• Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service – 03300 165112
• Stop Domestic Abuse (Portsmouth) – 023 9206 5494
• Aurora New Dawn – 023 9421 6816
• Yellow Door (Southampton) – 023 8063 6313
• PIPPA (Southampton) – 023 8091 7917
• You Trust (Isle of Wight) – 0800 234 6266
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
• Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
• National LBGT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
• If you’re a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, then call Childline on 0800 1111.

Ask for ANI code word scheme

• If you are experiencing domestic abuse, ask for ANI.
• If a pharmacy has Ask for ANI on display, this means they are ready to help. Anyone can approach a member of staff and ask for ANI (pronounced like the name Annie).
• They will offer you a private space, provide you with a phone and ask if you want a 999 police response, or speak to a domestic abuse helpline.

From 14 January, victims of domestic abuse will be able to access much needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK. The Ask for ANI scheme will be initially available through the 2,300 Boots stores across the UK as well as 255 independent pharmacies.

The Ask for ANI scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help and access support. By asking for ANI, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would like help to access support services such as a national or local domestic abuse helplines.

If you are concerned that your behaviour may be causing harm 

• Hampton Trust  02380 009898

Supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse

The Government has put together a Domestic Abuse Guide for Employers to help them support members of staff who are or may be experiencing domestic abuse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis and need urgent mental health support, call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk and speak to the NHS Mental Health Triage Service.

The NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service provides advice, support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Advisers have a wide range of skills, including on the phone brief psychological support, and have access to key services and organisations that can offer mental health support to people in their time of need.

This service can also be also used by GPs and other healthcare professionals, the emergency services, mental health charities and any other organisations that come into contact with people experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Mental Health Triage Service can be accessed by phone by dialling 111 and online at www.111.nhs.uk.

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, please call 999.

COUNTY AND UNITARY AUTHORITIES

Hampshire

The Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline is available to provide information and advice, as well as practical support to frail or vulnerable Hampshire residents, and can be contacted on 0333 370 4000.

The helpline is available 7 days a week, from 9am to 5pm, and is for vulnerable people who do not have support from families, friends or their local community, and who need urgent assistance with practical issues.

Isle of Wight

A helpline has been set up to support the most vulnerable residents affected by coronavirus self-isolation measures. You can call 01983 823 600 between 9am and 5pm, 7 days a week.

Portsmouth

If you need information or advice about services in Portsmouth, or you need some additional help because you are unable to go out because of coronavirus, you’ll find all the latest information on their website, including details of which services are closed.

For anyone who doesn’t have access to the internet there is a phone line available – 023 9268 8004 with a recorded message with all the latest information. People can also call this number if they need additional support, such as with getting shopping or prescriptions.

Southampton

Southampton City Council have launched a Community Support Hub to ensure access to support for vulnerable people. The service will prioritise those in critical need who have received a letter from NHS England stating they are in a priority group and are unable to rely on family or friends for adequate practical support.

Please call them on 023 8083 4800, or visit their ‘I need help’ page to contact them via webchat or fill in the online form.

DISTRICT AND BOROUGH AUTHORITIES

Not all district and borough authorities have organised local support, but those that have are listed here.  If your local authority is not listed here, please use the Hampshire County Council support line above.

Eastleigh

Fareham

Gosport

Test Valley

Volunteering

Basingstoke: If you would like to volunteer, are thinking about starting a group in your area or have already done so, please visit www.bvaction.org.uk/coronavirus-volunteering or call 01256 423852 to register your group and find contact details for accessing guidance and support.

East Hampshire: The work to support the community’s most vulnerable people is being co-ordinated through East Hampshire District Council and local voluntary groups. If you would like to volunteer to help during the coronavirus pandemic, please visit the Volunteer Wessex website.

Gosport: Gosport Voluntary Action and Gosport Borough Council are working together to co-ordinate a community response to COVID-19.  If you would like to volunteer or are an organisation that can offer support or services, please visit www.gva.org.uk/coronavirus.

Hart: Hart District Council, Hart Voluntary Action and Hampshire County Council are working together to co-ordinate efforts across our area to organise volunteers for those who need help.  Applications are being processed and the online application is currently suspended.

Havant: If you would like to volunteer to help during the coronavirus pandemic, please visit the Volunteer Wessex website.

Rushmoor: If you would like to volunteer locally, you can register your details on the Rushmoor Voluntary Services website.

Winchester: Community First is the Council for Voluntary Service and is matching volunteers with organisations that need assistance. Register using the volunteering website.

How to help other people safely

If you need to get in touch with the police, there are lots of options.

Leaflet

Hampshire Constabulary have produced this leaflet, which provides contact details for various support organisations.  It’s also available in black and white to be easily printed.

Online

Hampshire Constabulary’s website allows you to access lots of services, including reporting crimes. If you can do this, it keeps other resources free for those in need, or who can’t get online.

By email

If you need to speak to your local policing team, please email them in the first instance.  You can look up your local team via the police.uk website, and their page includes the email address you need.

By telephone

If you can’t get online or email, you can contact Hampshire Constabulary using the 101 non-emergency line.  Only call 999 in an emergency when there is immediate danger to life or a crime in progress.

In person

You can speak to the police at a front counter location at one of the four Police Investigation Centre locations: Southampton, Basingstoke, Portsmouth, or Newport. Please do not come to a police location if you have symptoms of the coronavirus, or if you suspect you have been in contact with someone else who may have the virus.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office still advises against ‘all but essential’ international travel, with a number of low-risk destinations exempt from this advice. Make sure you are familiar with the guidance in relation to your chosen destination before you travel.

Government travel advice

Countries and territories exempt from ‘all but essential’ guidance