AGTO COVID-19 Update

The following information is the update position from the UK Government on COVID 19, provided by our partner Tourism Alliance.  These updates are regularly posted on the website for your information, www.agto.co.uk

Daily Government press briefing

Today’s press briefing was led by Dominic Raab and Jonathan Van Tam. The update focussed on a health update, testing and the update of anosmia symptoms (the loss of smell and taste) being added to the self-isolate advice. During the Q+A there was a question on camping, Van Tam said that he stands ready to give advice on this when the Government asks for it. When asked about the proposed quarantine measures for passengers arriving into the UK, Van Tam explained that there was previously quarantine advice on people arriving from Wuhan and then Italy. On the new advice he said that the virus had now spread internationally, and as we drive down our infection rate there must be action to limit inbound infection. A question from Wales asked about the divergence in advice and tourists still visiting North Wales. Raab said that there had been good cooperation between the devolved nations, and that different levels of lockdown were understandable given different R rates. He said that people need to be mindful of the different regulations in place. You can watch the full briefing here.

Nicola Sturgeon gave a press briefing today announcing that a route map for the lifting of lockdown measures in Scotland will be published on Thursday. She said the measures could begin to be lifted from 28 May. She also said that this would mean people could meet someone from another household as long as social distancing is maintained and more outdoor activities and sports like golf and fishing will also be allowed. We will share a summary of the route map on Thursday.

First Minister Arlene Foster in a briefing today has announced some easing of lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland as part of the first step of their recovery plan. Outdoor gatherings of up to 6 will be allowed, places of worship can open for individual prayer and some outdoor activities will be permitted –  these measure are allowed but social distancing and public hygiene must be observed.

Latest Government updates

• The UK Government has announced an additional £58 million to help the devolved administration in Scotland respond to the challenge of the coronavirus.
• An extra £35 million to support Wales in the fight against coronavirus has been announced.
• A written statement by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has been published regarding the support funding package for Transport for London.

Situation update 18 May 2020

• To see the number of cases of COVID-19 in England and the UK visit the UK COVID-19 dashboard – https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

To see the number of cases globally see the World Health Organisation dashboard – https://covid19.who.int/