COVID-19 - Update and Status
Current government guidelines and restrictions in the UK
Daily Summary
For an overview fo the status in the UK, check the Government’s daily summary page for an update on the vaccine roll out, and number of cases: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/
Vaccine & COVID Passports
The UK has 3 approved vaccines for use: Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech & Moderna
Most of the population have had two doses of the Covid vaccine and the government are currently urging everyone to get a 3rd booster vaccination as soon as possible
The vaccine is available to all in the UK, regardless of immigration status.
Some venues and events, such as nightclubs, are legally required to check the Covid status of visitors. They will either ask to see proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative CVOID test.
Restrictions in England
All employees should work from home where possible
You must wear a mask in most indoor public settings such as shops, supermarkets, theatres and cinemas.
You must wear a mask on public transport and when using taxis.
Masks are not needed in pubs or restaurants, or venues like gyms where it's "not practical"
There are no longer restrictions on businesses, and all business are able to open and operate as normal.
Some venues may ask for proof of your COVID status to allow entry.
COVID Testing & Self Isolation
There are 2 main types of test currently being used to detect if someone has COVID-19
- polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- lateral flow device (LFD) antigen tests – also known as rapid lateral flow tests
Both types of test are available free on the NHS
If you have COVID symptoms or receive a positive COVID test you are required to self-isolate for 10 days, though this may be reduced to 7 days if you receive 2 negative covid tests.
See here for what to do if you have COVID
Schools
All schools are open for face-to-face teaching during term time.
Property and relocation support
The property market remains open and moving home is allowed to continue.
Relocation services can continue to be delivered, following COVID guidance to ensure all parties are kept safe.
Arriving in the UK:
There are quarantine and COVID testing requirements in place for those travelling to England.
These requirements vary depending on what country you are travelling from, and your vaccine status.
If you travel from or through a country on the ‘red list’ you must stay in a quarantine hotel on arrival, regardless of your vaccine status.
If you travel from a country that is not on the red list, your quarantine requirement will depend on whether you have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine.
In all cases you must take a COVID test 2 days before you travel, and book and take a COVID test within 2 days from arrival.
For full details of what actions you must take see here.
Different rules apply depending on whether you are arriving in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The rules for arriving in the UK are subject to change with little notice and so you should ensure you keep checking the most up to date guidance on the government website before you travel.
For up to date government advice and guidelines around COVID-19
For health advice around COVID-19
Status of service delivery:
The property market remains open and property related activities can continue to operate as usual.
All services can be delivered, albeit with some alternative arrangements in place or adjustments to the ‘normal’ way of service delivery.
School applications may be disrupted. School viewings depend on the situation at the school in question.
Full details about current service disruptions
Keeping our staff and clients safe
RSS are constantly updating our practices in line with guidance issued by the government to ensure we are keeping all of our clients and our staff safe.
What we are currently doing to keep our staff and our clients safe:
No shared transport. RSS consultants will travel separately to our clients and assignees in line with government guidance.
All RSS staff that meet with clients are to abide by social distancing at all times. This means keeping 2 meter distance.
Masks will be worn and hand sanitiser made available.
When entering properties, proper hygiene will be maintained by washing hands often, and using hand sanitiser.
How Relocation Support Services can help
We’ve broadened our services to help our clients as much as possible during these times. Please contact us to discuss how we can support or see below some of the services we can provide to help ease the
VIRTUAL VIEWINGS
Keeping clients safe: Where it is not possible for clients to physically view properties themselves, or where their preference is not to physically view a property, RSS can 'virtually' view properties on behalf of our clients
Live video tours, or recorded video viewings can be provided to clients allowing them to make a selection without physically being present
Ideal for those having to self-isolate or shield and are unable to attend property viewings themselves
REMOVALS
Removal services are now possible and we can fully assist in making arrangements for our clients
We can arrange virtual surveys in order to provide a quotation in instances where our client cannot physically attend
All our removals partners have extremely strict compliance measures to meet Government guidance
QUARANTINE ACCOMMODATION
Where clients are required to isolate on entering the UK, RSS can provide high quality temporary accommodation
RSS can provide transportation from the airport or train station to the accommodation in line with government guidance that this is pre-arranged
GROCERY SHOPPING
RSS can support in providing and delivering shopping for you if you have to self-isolate
This could be assistance with setting up online accounts or collection/delivery of food to the property
This also applies to collection and delivery of medication and prescriptions where needed
LEASE EXTENSIONS & RENT REDUCTIONS
RSS can handle negotiations to extend a tenancy in situations where employees have to stay longer in their property than they were expecting
Take advantage of low inflation rates by negotiating rent reductions