COVID-19

The UK Government has unveilled its roadmap out of lockdown.  

The UK Government has announced a series of steps out of the national lockdown, the steps are being monitored and restrictions may change at any time. 

From 29th March:

• Outdoor sports to return
• Outdoor gatherings of up to 6 people is permitted
• Stay at home order ends.

From 12th April: 

• Non essential retail and businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons may reopen
• Most outdoor venues open, including pubs and restaurants but only for outdoor tables and beer gardens. Customers will have to be seated but there will be no need to have a meal with alcohol
• Zoos and theme parks can reopen
• Indoor leisure facilities such as pools and gyms can reopen, people can only attend on their own or as part of their household. 
• Holiday lets with no shared facilities can reopen for one household at a time

From 17th May: 

• Up to 30 people can meet outside
• Indoor mixing allowed for up to 6 people or two households
• Indoor venues, including pubs, restaurants, B&Bs, play centres, cinemas, museums and similar can reopen. The new indoor and outdoor mixing limits will remain for hospitality venues. 
• Indoor sports venues can have up to 1,000 sepctators, or large outdoor seated venues, such as football stadiums have a limit on 10,000 people. 

From 21st June:

• All legal limits on mixing will be removed and the last sectors to remain closed, such as nightclubs can open
• Large events can take place. 

While restrictions are starting to lift from 12th April with many accommodation providers and attractions permitted to open from 17th May, it is advised that you remain in your household or support bubbles at this time. 

Please visit gov.uk/coronavirus for all the latest information. 

Enjoy Devon Safely

When restrictions are lifted, we want you to enjoy Devon safely. Many accommodation providers will have made changes to the layouts and practices, so please do be mindful and follow any rules that have been put in place, including wearing a face covering in certain areas and making sure to use the hand sanitiser provided. 

Many attractions will be running at a reduced capacity and their opening times may have changed. The majority of Devon based attractions are operating on a pre-book system only, so make sure to contact them and check their procedure before you make a trip. 

Eateries may also require advanced booking, make sure to check beforehand to avoid disapointment. 

Pretty much all shops, attractions, eateries and accommodation providers will require you to pay by card using contactless where possible. Please be aware of this. Public transport and other enclosed spaces including shops will require you to wear a face covering while on the premises, please be aware that there are fines in place for anyone not wearing a face covering. There are some exemptions, you can see these below. 

#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!

• 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.

What businesses are open?

Once lockdown restrictions are lifted, attractions, entertainment venues and non essential shops will be permitted to open. Both VisitEngland and the AA have launched new industry standard marks as a way of giving visitors peace of mind that every effort has been put into making businesses safe. Once restrictions have been lifted, you can find accommodation businesses in Devon with these marks here and things to do here.

Please check all plans before you travel directly with venues, accommodation providers and other businesses that you plan to visit to check their openings and any restrictions that they may have in place.

There may be some changes to public transport, so please be aware of potential delays. The official government website is the best place to check for the latest information and advice for travellers.

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