Today (May 1, 2020) the government published updated guidance around what people can and can’t do during the Covid-19 pandemic in the form of a series of questions and answers.

When am I allowed to leave the house?

You should only leave or be away from your home for very limited purposes:

• shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household
• any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid injury or illness, escape risk of harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

These reasons are exceptions and a fuller list is set out in the regulations. Even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent away from the home and ensuring that you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

Find out more about staying at home and away from others

Can I go to the dentist, my GP or another medical appointment?

Yes. You can leave home for medical appointments. GP practices may postpone non-urgent health checks or routine appointments.

You are advised to go to the doctor if there is an essential medical need.

Can I walk my dog / look after my horse?

Yes – provided you are alone or with members of your household.

People must stay at home as much as possible to reduce the spread of the virus. You may leave your home to exercise once a day and combine this with walking your dog. When doing this you should minimise the time you are out of your home and stay at least two metres away from anyone else who isn’t from your household.