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We are in unprecedented times with the most stringent measures ever imposed on our society brought in by Boris Johnson last night.
The Prime Minister has ordered all of us to “stay at home” unless absolutely essential to try and help stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
This means that you should only leave you house to do essential shopping, for a medical need or to care for a vulnerable person, for one form of exercise each day, or to travel to work only if absolutely necessary and you can’t do it from home.
However, the British public are crying out for more clarity on certain issues where it is not clear what you should do.
Here at Yorkshire Live we asked what had confused you the most and have been working to get you the answers as best we can to help put your mind at ease.
What can I do if my car needs an MOT?
The Driver Vehicle Standards Agency has said that MOT for cars are still going ahead – however this is under constant review.
In a statement it said: “The Department for Transport continues to keep MOT testing for cars, motorcycles and light vans under review. It will provide an update in due course.”
Garages are currently on the list of exceptions to businesses that must close.
Motorists can get an MOT up to one month before the expiry date, so it could be worth considering bringing it forward by a few weeks if you are concerned.
Will I be able to shop for my mum, she’s 89, as well as myself?
Yes, as caring for a vulnerable person is included in the list of reasons that you can leave the house.
As she is over 70 and in one of the most at risk categories she should avoid as much contact with other people as possible.
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Does walking my dog count as my one exercise a day?
Yes as the government stated in its latest advice that you should only leave your home for very limited reasons.
It states: one form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.
Dog walking is included in this.
Is it still possible to fly in and out of the country?
The Foreign Commonwealth Office is advising all British nationals against all but essential international travel.
If you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, you are strongly advised to return now, where and while there are still commercial routes available.
Many airlines are suspending flights and many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving.
How many people are allowed to travel in a car together to go to a place of work?
The government has said you must only travel to work if absolutely necessary and if you cannot do so from home.
If you do travel, you should abide by the social distancing advice and stay two metres away from other people, so it would not be advised to travel in a vehicle with people who do not live in your household.
Can I go to my allotment?
Michael Gove speaking on the BBC this morning stated that it would be appropriate for people to visit their allotments.
This is because in it’s very nature, you are spaced out from others and not in a group. You should still abide by the two metre social distancing rule.
What if we get toothache or have a gas leak?
If you have toothache, you would be able to leave your house for an appointment at your dentist as this would be a medical need.
This was one of the handful of reasons given by Boris Johnson as to why you could leave your house.
In terms of a gas leak, those who work in the gas industry are classed as key workers so would still be able to come out to fix a leak.
Will bins get emptied?
Councils have issued specific advice on bin collections for your area.
Most districts have suspended collections for garden waste only with a priority being placed on refuse and recycling collections.
Check the rules for Sheffield, Leeds here. We are still waiting on bin collection information for other areas in Yorkshire. In the meantime, contact your local council.
Can you still co-parent if you live in different households?
Despite initial advice from Michael Gove this morning, parents who live separately can still see children as long as precautions are taken.
When speaking on Good Morning Britain, Mr Gove initially said that children should stay in one household.
However, he later clarified that to say when necessary, children under 18 moving between households is permissible and this is clear in guidance.
Is post still being delivered?
Yes.
Post Offices were included on the list of businesses which could remain open as it is a vital service.
In a statement Royal Mail said: “The postal service is a key part of the UK’s infrastructure.
“The delivery of parcels and letters is a way of keeping the country together, businesses operating, and helping many people who may not have the option to leave their homes.
“We continue to work hard to collect, process and deliver as much mail and parcels as possible in difficult circumstances.
“We are constantly monitoring and reviewing resource and procedures.”
How can I get enough supplies for my six pets?
Pet shops are still open.
They were placed on a list by the government of businesses that could remain open at this time even though we are in a period of lockdown for three weeks.
Can I let my cats play outside?
You still allow your cats to roam outside freely but be more mindful and make sure you clean their paws etc when they come back inside.
If you are in the high risk group it may be wise to keep your cat indoors.
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Can I go in my garden?
Yes.
Getting fresh air in your garden is completely fine.
If you’re self employed what can you claim for?
Nothing has been specifically announced as of yet to support those people who are self-employed.
An announcement is expected soon on measures which the government are introducing.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis advised those to ‘hold on’ be patient.
Can you take your dogs in a car to exercise them in an open space?
There is no specific guidance on this at the moment.
Advice stipulates that you should leave the house for one form of exercise every day but not how far away that exercise is allowed to take place.
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If you’re not a key worker but can’t work from home should you still go into the office?
This is a subject that still needs to be clarified by the government.
A list issued yesterday outlined all of the non-essential shops and businesses that had to close.
Guidance states that you should only travel to work if absolutely necessary and if you can’t work from home.
Where can you apply for immediate financial support if you had to close your business overnight?
The government has issued a raft of measures to support businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.
This includes:
- a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- deferring VAT and Income Tax payments
- a Statutory Sick Pay relief package for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
- a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses in England
- small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief
- grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
- the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank
- a new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans
- the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme
Find the latest information here.
Homeowners are getting support with mortgages – what about renters?
Chancellor Rishi Sunak already announced that those with a mortgage can apply for a three-month mortgage holiday should they need it.
Later last week he also announced nearly £1bn of support for renters, by increasing the generosity of housing benefit and Universal Credit, so that the Local Housing Allowance will cover at least 30 percent of market rents in your area.
It is not clear how this will affect private renters – no specific support has yet been outlined for them.
