For up to date information on Coronavirus from the government, NHS and other organisations, please see the links below:
LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS
Prime Minister confirms move to Step 4 from 19th July 2021 - for details please click here.
To see a copy of the Prime Minister's latest Statement at the Press Conference on 12th July please click here.
Self isolation to be eased for fully vaccinated adults in step 4 - As part of step 4 of the Government’s COVID-19 roadmap, double vaccinated people will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. For further details please click here.
To see a copy of the Prime Minister's Statement on 14th June 2021 please click here.
INFORMATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT ON LATEST RESTRICTIONS
For the latest (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do please click here.
Changes from 19 July 2021: England has moved to Step 4
Most legal restrictions to control COVID-19 have been lifted at step 4. This means that:
• You do not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with. There are also no limits on the number of people you can meet.
• In order to minimise risk at a time of high prevalence, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with, and increase close contact gradually. This includes minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
• You should meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.
• The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can. However, the Government expects and recommends a gradual return over the summer.
• The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted.
• There are no longer limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and other life events (including receptions and celebrations).
• There is no requirement for table service at life events, or restrictions on singing or dancing. You should follow guidance for weddings and funerals to reduce risk and protect yourself and others.
• There are no longer restrictions on group sizes for attending communal worship.
Although most legal restrictions have been lifted at step 4, and many people have been vaccinated, it is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated.
If you are worried about going back to a more ‘normal’ life, there is information from the NHS on how to cope with anxiety about lockdown lifting.
If you are yet to have your vaccination and need to know how to book, you can find out more on the BLMK website: www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/.
ROADMAP TO RECOVERY
Prime Minister sets out roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions - for details please click here. Please see the posters below:
PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS & INFORMATION
Across the UK people are playing their part and providing essential support to their friends and family who are in isolation. To find out how to help safely please click here.
This page sets out key FAQs to inform the public and let you know what you can and can't do: .https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
VACCINATIONS
To see the Covid-19 Vaccination: Guide for Adults please click here
To see an information on the COVID-19 vaccines available please click here.
To view easy-to-read leaflets Covid-19 vaccination leaflets please click here.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
To see the latest information on meeting others safely (social distancing) please click here.
VULNERABLE PEOPLE
For updated information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 please click here.
Central government support for those who are high risk: Central government are offering support for people who are high risk and considered to be extremely vulnerable. They can register for support from the government here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable. The central government contact number for those who are high risk is 0800 0288327.
Someone is extremely vulnerable if they:
• have had a solid organ transplant
• have lung cancer, and you’re getting active chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy
• have cancer of the blood or bone marrow, at any stage of treatment - for example, leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
• have any cancer for which you’re getting immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments
• have any cancer for which you’re getting a targeted treatment which can affect the immune system - for example, protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
• have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or are still taking immunosuppression drugs
• have a severe respiratory condition - including cystic fibrosis, severe asthma or severe COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• have a rare disease or inborn error of metabolism that significantly increases your risk of infection - for example SCID or homozygous sickle cell
• are getting an immunosuppression therapy that’s sufficient to significantly increase your risk of infection
• are pregnant, and have a significant congenital or acquired heart disease
SIGN UP TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
Government Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp: The UK Government has launched a GOV.UK Coronavirus Information service on WhatsApp. This free to use service aims to provide official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19). For further details please click here.
For all Government information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
TRAVEL & TRANSPORT
For the latest information on safer travel guidance please click here.
WORKING
For guidance on working safely during Coronavirus please click here.
POSSIBLE INFECTION
For guidance for households with possible Coronavirus infection please click here.
For guidance to parents and guardians on when you should book a coronavirus test for your child please click here.
FUNERALS
For the latest guidelines on the safe conduct on funerals please click here.
NHS
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Think you have symptoms?
Do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital. Find out what to do if you think you have symptoms here.
NHS Test and Trace
To find out how the NHS Test and Trace works please click here.
Download the new NHS COVID-19 app from www.covid19.nhs.uk. The new app is part of the NHS Test and Trace service and will be used, alongside traditional contact tracing, to notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive for coronavirus. The app allows people to report symptoms, order a coronavirus test, and check in to venues by scanning a QR code.
It also helps the NHS trace app users who have spent time near other app users, who they may not personally know, and who later test positive for coronavirus. It does this by tracking the virus, not individuals. When you first download the app, it asks for your postcode district (in common to thousands of people) which helps the app work out where the virus is spreading. It cannot be used to identify you, track you or to check if you are self-isolating. If you have been advised by the app to self-isolate, the app provides a countdown timer so that you can keep track of how long you need to self-isolate. Please see further details here: https://www.covid19.nhs.uk./
Information for children to help them understand what Coronavirus is, the importance of hand washing and how to help stop the virus spreading is available on the Public Health England website. Find out more here.
Central & North West London, the NHS Trust who supply district nursing, mental health, occupational therapy, addiction and many other community services in Milton Keynes have updated their current guidance on service availability here: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/news/coronavirus-service-updates
You can contact the NHS for help online here.
Help from NHS Volunteer Responders
If you’re shielding and need help with essential food or medication, call the NHS Volunteer Responders on 0808 196 3646. Please get in touch now.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Community Action MK
Community Action:MK have published a list of groups helping out in local areas - please see here.
Community Action:MK are offering online support to community groups during the present crisis -. please see here.
THE PARKS TRUST
Use of the parks
We are pleased that parks and green spaces can continue to be enjoyed safely with some restrictions in place. Head to our website for the full guidance: https://www.theparkstrust.com/our-work/our-policies/statement-on-coronavirus/
The Parks Trust would like to remind everyone to please stay safe in the parks and follow the latest Government guidelines.
The Parks Trust play areas are open with restrictions in place. If you decide to use the play equipment, please ensure you are following the guidance and restrictions in place.
OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
Healthwatch Milton Keynes: https://www.healthwatchmiltonkeynes.co.uk/news/2020-03-18/milton-keynes-and-covid-19
The Mayor of Milton Keynes has been posting updates about the impact of coronavirus on Milton Keynes on his Facebook page. You can find the updates at: https://www.facebook.com/MayorMK/
Milton Keynes Community Foundation: https://www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk/news-events/milton-keynes-community-foundation-news/2020/covid-19-update. For further details about MK Community Foundation's Covid-19 MK Emergency Respense Appeal click here.
ALLOTMENT PLOT HOLDERS
Please see The National Allotment Society's Covid 19 Emergency Measures here. Please note that when using the allotments the lock should be cleaned before and after each use. We kindly ask that allotment holders adhere to social distancing rules.