COVID-19

Escape the Everyday... Responsibily in Devon

As of the 19th July, Covid restrictions have been lifted in England and we're happy to welcome you back to Devon! 

We want you to enjoy Devon safely and responsibly, so please continue to wear a facemask when asked, to maintain a comfortable distance from other visitors and to keep washing your hands and using contactless payments where you can.
Many of our accommodation providers will have made changes to their layouts and practices during the pandemic, and some of these will still be in place, so please be mindful and follow any signage or instructions given by staff to make sure we all have a safe and enjoyable visit to Devon. Similarly, many of Devon's top attractions will be running at a reduced capacity and their opening times may have changed. Prebooking and contactless payments will likely remain in place, as will the wearing of masks in indoor spaces, so please contact the individual attractions before you travel for their current policies.

Though Devon's eateries are no longer required to only offer table service, many of them will still require advanced booking and may still have limited menus as we return to normal service. Please check with the individual eateries for their policies.

While there is no legal requirement to wear a facemask, Devon's public transport providers will still be asking you that you wear one while on buses and trains. This will also be true for enclosed spaces, including shops.  

Above all please remember to be kind and respectful to members of staff and other visitors and to support local, independent businesses where you can. Where possible, avoid tourist hotspots during peak times to help maintain distance and you can discover some of the more hidden places! Wherever you are in Devon, please respect, protect and enjoy our beautiful county, take litter with you and don't have BBQs outside, unless in a designated BBQ area. 

For complete peace of mind, look out for businesses displaying the Good to Go accreditation from Visit England, most importantly, enjoy Devon safely and responsibly! 

From 19th July: 

• All settings will be able to open including nightclubs, large events can resume without any limits on attendance or social distancing requirements. 
• All restrictions on events such as weddings, funerals etc will be removed including remaining restrictions on the number of attendees.
• No requirement for table service at life events or restrictions on singing or dancing. 
• Covid-status certification will not be required in law as a condition of entry to any settings. However, organisations can choose to ask visitors for proof as Covid-19 status, as long as they meet existing legal obligations including under equality law. 
• The legal requirement to wear a face covering will be lifted in all settings. Guidance will continue to advise that wearing a face covering will reduce personal risk and risk to others. 
• Social distancing rules will be lifted. Social distancing will only be required in limited circumstances in order to manage the risk of Varients of Concern at border control. 
• Regulations that place Covid secure requirements on businesses including table service, will be lifted. Working Safely guidance will be updated to provide examples of sensible precautions. 
• Government will no longer instruct people to work from home. 
• Businesses must not require a self isolating worker to come to work and should make sure that workers and customers who feel unwell do not attend the setting. 
• Businesses will be encouraged to ask staff and customers to regularly clean their hands and clean surfaces that people touch regularaly. The Government will provide guidance on how businesses can reduce unnecessary contact in the workplace. Operators will still be encouraged to use outdoor spaces where practical and to consider the supply of fresh air to indoor spaces. 
• Businesses will be encouraged to display QR codes for customers to check in using the NHS Covid 19 app.
• No restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting, indoors or outdoors.

#KnowBeforeYouGo

The #KnowBeforeYouGo campaign was launched to help give you peace of mind when travelling, so make sure to check the below and ensure that you know, before you go! Prebook any activities prior to travelling to ensure your space and if you can no longer attend, please let the business know in time. 

• When planning your trip, make sure to check the latest information online to see what restrictions may be in place, particularly if you are visiting an attraction or eatery as many of these have limited capacity and will require advanced booking.
• Check to see which restaurants and bars etc are open and what they have in place, ie, whether you can eat in, take away or whether you need to book.
• Make sure to maintain a two meter distance when you are exploring and enjoying Devon.
• Wear a face covering at all times on public transport and in enclosed spaces unless you are medically exempt.
• Make sure you have a bank card on you as many places are only accepting contactless or card payments at the moment.
• Make sure to keep washing your hands, there will be extra chances to wash your hands in shops and attractions, but it is always a good idea to keep a travel sized bottle of hand sanitiser on your person, just in case!

Where to find key information

The latest information regarding Coronavirus and travelling can be found on the official government website. Make sure to check your plans before you travel as open hours may vary and local lockdowns may prevent you from travelling. Please check directly with the attractions etc that you are planning to visit for the most up to date information.

Travelling from abroad? You can find out the latest information for your journey here.

If you are already in the UK and start to feel unwell with symptoms, do not visit attractions, restaurants or other areas, please self-isolate and contact the online coronavirus service to get further information.

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