Coronavirus (covid-19) information hub


 

NHS COVID-19 links: Vaccination | Symptoms | Get a test | Self isolation | NHS COVID-19 app

COVID-19 restrictions in Northumberland

This is our guide to the current COVID-19 restrictions in Northumberland.

Last updated: 11 May 2021. *Please note content correct at time of update - for full up to date info always check www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Useful links

What you can and cannot do in England from 17 May

From Monday 17 May, some of the rules on what you can and cannot do in England will change as we move into Step 3 of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.
 
Here's what's changing on 17 May:
  • Gathering limits will be eased. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 30 people and indoor gatherings will be limited to 6 people or 2 households
  • New guidance on meeting friends and family will emphasise personal responsibility rather than government rules. Instead of instructing you to stay 2m apart from anyone you don’t live with, you will be encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with COVID-19 and actions you can take to help keep you and your loved ones safe. Remember that the risks of close contact may be greater for some people than others and in some settings and circumstances, there will be specific guidance that you will need to follow even when you are with friends and family.
  • Indoor entertainment and attractions such as cinemas, theatres, concert halls, bowling alleys, casinos, amusement arcades, museums and children’s indoor play areas will be permitted to open with COVID-secure measures in place
  • People will be able to attend indoor and outdoor events, including live performances, sporting events and business events. Attendance at these events will be capped according to venue type, and attendees should follow the COVID-secure measures set out by those venues
  • Indoor hospitality venues such as restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes can reopen
  • Organised indoor sport will be able to take place for all (this includes gym classes). This must be organised by a business, charity or public body and the organiser must take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of transmission
  • All holiday accommodation will be open (including hotels and B&Bs). This can be used by groups of up to 6 or 2 households
  • Funeral attendance will no longer be limited to 30 people, but will be determined by how many people the COVID-secure venue can safely accommodate with social distancing. Limits at weddings, wakes and other commemorative events will be increased to 30 people. Other significant life events, such as bar/bat mitzvahs and christenings, will also be able to take place with 30 people
  • The rules for care home residents visiting out and receiving visitors will change, allowing up to five named visitors (two at any one time), provided visitors test negative for COVID-19
  • All higher education students will be able to access in-person teaching
  • Support groups and parent and child group gathering limits will increase to 30 people (not including under 5s)
  • There will no longer be a legal restriction or permitted reason required to travel internationally. There will be a traffic light system for international travel, and you must follow the rules when returning to England depending on whether you return from a red, amber or green list country.
You should:
  • continue to work from home if you can
  • when travelling within the UK,  aim to do so safely & plan your journey in advance
  • get a test & follow the stay at home guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms

Detailed guidance on what you currently can and cannot do

Click on the links below to find out more about specific guidance:

 

Roadmap - Government infographics

Step one aim for 9 March Step one continued aims for 29 March

Step two aims for 12 April Step three aims for 17 May

Step four aims for 21 June
 

Safe behaviours  

As restrictions ease, we must all remember that Covid-19 remains a part of our lives.  

You should:   
  • carry on with HANDS, FACE, SPACE, FRESH AIR  
  • follow COVID-Secure measures that remain in place at different steps   
  • watch out for symptoms & get tested when needed   
  • get vaccinated when offered  
If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.

Financial support for vulnerable residents - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This section provides information regarding financial support for Northumberland residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Advice from the government

Self-isolation enforcement and support

You may be eligible for financial help if you need to self-isolate - please click here for more information.  

 

Assistance for Northumberland Residents

All individuals will be offered the opportunity to be supported to access benefits in line with government guidance.

Click here to learn more about claiming benefits during the coronavirus outbreak. This page includes information about statutory sick pay, universal credit, jobcentre appointments, and more.
 

 

Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit

Residents can make an application for:

If residents are otherwise experiencing hardship but are not entitled to benefits they may choose to contact the Northumberland Community Bank.

Northumberland Emergency Transition Support (NETS) provides crisis support to residents of Northumberland. Details of the support available and the application process can be found here.
 
Residents can also telephone 0345 600 6400 and follow the options for Benefits then NETS team. Lines are open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday.

 

The Hardship Fund

The Government’s Hardship Fund will be used to reduce bills further for those already receiving council tax support, new claimants of council tax support and to establish a hardship fund in the county.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Residents already receiving support through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme don’t need to contact us, as the additional help will be automatically applied to bills in the next few weeks.
 
The Council Tax Hardship Fund will be allocated to qualifying residents. This is an additional £150 of funding for those who already receive support due to their financial situation.
 
The scheme will help towards the cost of Council Tax for people on a low income or those who claim certain benefits including Universal Credit. It means that those who may have lost work or money due to coronavirus, could now benefit from this means of help.
 

I am struggling with bills, rent, or mortage - what support is available?

Find out what you support you can get if you're affected by coronavirus here - this link will take you to gov.uk, where you can select what issues you are having and find support. 

Coronavirus guidance in multiple languages

If you need translated versions of the latest COVID-19 guidance, information in multiple languages are included at the links below.


The guidance can be accessed in written, audio and video form.
 

Written and audio translations

Doctors of the World, in partnership with the British Red Cross, Migrant Help and Clear Voice, have produced advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19) in 60 languages.

 

Video versions

Doctors of the World, in partnership with the Mayor of London, has produced motion graphic videos with key COVID-19 information for migrants living in the UK. The videos contain the latest advice from the UK government, including information on COVID-19 testing and wearing face masks. 

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