Coronavirus: How to read the government’s 50-page lockdown guidance in full

Want to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth? Here’s how

After nearly two months in lockdown, the UK is finally going to see some easing in restrictions from Wednesday 13 May, according to the government.

Prime minister Boris Johnson announced some of the changes on Sunday night, but while some praised his statesmanlike performance, others failed to make head nor tail of the speech.

Comedian Matt Lucas captured the frustration felt by many by releasing a parody video of a befuddled prime minister. “So we are saying don’t go to work, go to work. Don’t take public transport, go to work, don’t go to work,” spluttered Mr Lucas, impersonating the Tory leader.

The government has since released further details of the changes into the public domain. So, if you remain confused, here’s how to read the full 50-page document for yourself.

Where can I read the full document of UK lockdown changes?

The 50-page document, which includes information on the strategy going forward, plus potential dates for reopening shops and schools, can be found on the government website.

“This document describes the progress the UK has made to date in tackling the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and sets out the plans for moving to the next phase of its response to the virus,” reads the description.

“The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread. The roadmap will be kept constantly under review as the epidemic, and the world’s understanding of it, develops.”

Is there anything else I can read to help me understand the changes?

The government has put together a list of FAQs that could actually prove more helpful, putting the advice in layman’s terms, than the full documents.

It addresses issues such as, “What can I do from Wednesday 13 May that I couldn’t do before?” and “Can I meet my friends and family in the park?”

This can also be found on the government website.