News updates: many parents sceptical about return; new rules for meeting outside come into effect in England, Wales and Scotland
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10.38am BST
Yesterday the UK government published a new Q&A explaining what is and is not allowed now in England under the slightly more relaxed version of the lockdown rules now in force.
In his London Playbook briefing Jack Blanchard has published a sceptical assessment.
And guess what? It’s all a little confusing. So the guidance says you CAN go to a friend’s garden party … but you CAN’T go within 2 meters of the host … but you CAN tuck into their BBQ buffet … but you CAN’T sit on their garden chair … but you CAN nip inside to use the loo … but you CAN’T help carry food on your way back out … but you CAN walk through the house to get to the front door … but you CAN’T stay the night under any circumstances. All clear?
As I read this, unless you live together, it’s now unlawful to have sex with your lover indoors, but fine outdoors (subject to public decency offences); but you can have sex with an escort indoors, as that is reasonably necessary for their work purposes (see 7(d)(i)). https://t.co/QXbT1EYikt
Regulation 7 is a corker – prohibits two or more people from separate households from any interaction on the same property
One of the exceptions is work
So a visit from a sex worker is lawful but not from your partner if they live elsewhere
10.13am BST
In his Today interview this morning Alok Sharma, the business secretary, said the government had launched its test and trace programme last week. Sir Chris Ham, a former head of the King’s Fund health thinktank, says the government is overstating what has been achieved. He says that an effective test and trace system won’t be in place for weeks, and that the government is easing the lockdown too quickly.
Let’s keep this simple: an effective system of test and trace must be in place before the lockdown is eased. Sharma @BBCr4today wrong to say test and trace launched last Thurs. T&T was announced Thursday but weeks before it will be effective. Govt easing too soon and too fast
