Coronavirus lockdown rules in each part of the UK
Health is a devolved matter, which means that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are responsible for their own policies in relation to public health
Following the lifting of Covid restrictions in England in February 2022, we will no longer be updating this explainer.
Why are there different restrictions in different parts of the UK?
The UK government is only responsible for lockdown restrictions in England. This is because health is a devolved matter, which means that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are responsible for their own policies in relation to public health matters. ‘Lockdown’ was imposed through public health legislation, with separate regulations made in the UK, Scottish and Welsh parliaments and the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Scottish government, Welsh government and Northern Ireland executive remain responsible for introducing and lifting restrictions in their respective territories, and can make different decisions.
England, Scotland and Wales introduced the first lockdown restrictions on 26 March 2020, and Northern Ireland on 28 March with only minor differences in their respective approaches. However, at various points during the pandemic, the governments in each part of the UK have taken different approaches, and have had different social distancing rules and restrictions in place.
The table below sets out the rules and guidance in key policy areas where differences remain between the four nations.
England |
Scotland |
Wales |
Northern Ireland |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guidance on working from home | The government is no longer asking people to work from home if they can. | The government has urged businesses to allow staff to work from home wherever possible until the middle of January. | People should still work from home wherever possible, but from 28 January this will become guidance not law. | People should work from home wherever possible. Employees at work should continue to observe social distancing rules. |
| Use of face coverings |
Face coverings must be worn in most indoor settings with the exception of hospitality premises. The legal requirement will be lifted on 27 January. Face masks are not required to be worn in secondary schools from 20 January. |
Mandatory on public transport and in indoor public settings and hospitality, with exceptions including for those eating, drinking or exercising, or when seated at a table. Face masks must be worn in secondary schools. |
Mandatory on public transport and in indoor public settings. This includes hospitality settings unless you are eating or drinking. Face masks must be worn in secondary schools. |
Mandatory on public transport and in indoor public settings and hospitality, with exceptions including in places of worship and for those eating, drinking or exercising, or when seated at a table. Face masks must be worn in secondary schools. |
| Domestic use of Covid passports | From 15 December, proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test will be required for entry into nightclubs, unseated indoor events with over 500 people, unseated outdoor events with over 4,000 people, and any event with over 10,000 people. From 27 January, this will no longer be required by law but can be used on a voluntary basis. | Proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test taken within the last 24 hours are required for nightclubs, unseated indoor events with over 500 people, unseated outdoor events with over 4,000 people, and any event with over 10,000 people. | Proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test taken within the last 48 hours will be required for nightclubs, large events, cinemas, theatres and concert halls, unseated indoor events with over 500 people, outdoor unseated events with more than 4,000 people, and any event with more than 10,000 people. |
The ‘Covid certification scheme’ will require proof of vaccination status, a negative lateral flow in the last 48 hours or a positive PCR test from the previous 30–180 days to enter licensed hospitality venues, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, indoor events of more than 500 people, and outdoor events that can fit 4,000 or more. Requirements will be removed from some venues on 26 January. |
| Minimum social distancing | No social distancing rules in place. | No social distancing rules in place. |
Government guidance is that people should remain 2m apart from each other. By law, employers must take all reasonable measures to ensure a 2m distance. |
People should remain 1m apart in retail and shopping centres, indoor hospitality settings, indoor visitor attractions and on public transport, where possible. |
| Self-isolating rules |
People who have tested positive for coronavirus must isolate for 10 days. People may end self-isolation if they have two negative tests on day five and six. Close contacts: Fully vaccinated adults and those below 18 years and six months are not required to isolate but must take a lateral flow test every day. Not fully vaccinated contacts must self-isolate for 10 days. |
People who have tested positive for coronavirus must isolate for 10 days. People may end self-isolation if they have two negative tests in a row from day 6 onwards. Close contacts: Fully vaccinated adults and those below 18 years and four months must isolate and get a PCR test as soon as possible (children under five are advised but not required to get a test). They can end their isolation if the test is negative and they remain asymptomatic but should continue to take lateral flow tests for seven days. Not fully vaccinated adults must isolate for 10 days. |
People who have tested positive for coronavirus must isolate for 10 days. People may end self-isolation on day eight if they have two negative tests 24 hours apart Close contacts: Fully vaccinated adults and young people between 5 and 17 are not required to isolate but must take a lateral flow test every day for seven days. Not fully vaccinated contacts over 18 must self-isolate for 10 days and take a PCR test on days 2 and 8. |
People who have tested positive for coronavirus must isolate for 10 days. People may end self-isolation on day seven if they have two negative tests 24 hours apart. Close contacts: Fully vaccinated adults and children are advised to isolate and take a lateral flow test as soon as possible. If this is negative they should continue to take lateral flow tests for 10 days and avoid visiting hospital and care homes, even if the PCR test is negative. Not fully vaccinated adults must isolate for 10 days. |
What are the current lockdown rules in each part of the UK?
England
|
|
What the rules are |
|---|---|
|
Meeting friends and family |
|
|
Leaving the house and domestic travel |
People can only leave the house with a ‘reasonable excuse’ (such as to go to work or to buy food). People should work from home wherever possible. People cannot travel within the UK except for work, education, or other legally permitted exemptions. |
| Meeting friends and family outdoors |
Individuals can meet with one other person outside their household for exercise or recreation. Single adult households can form an exclusive bubble with one other household and meet with them outdoors. Meetings of up to six people permitted outdoors from 2 December. |
| Meeting indoors at home |
Households cannot meet indoors at home. Single adult households can form an exclusive bubble with one other household and meet with them outdoors. |
| Meeting indoors in public places | Households cannot meet indoors in public places. |
| Weddings and civil partnerships | Not permitted except in exceptional circumstances. Can resume from 2 December. |
|
Funerals |
A maximum of 30 people can attend. It is advised that only close friends and family can attend. |
|
Hospitality and accommodation |
|
|
Cafes and restaurants |
Closed for eat-in service. Take out and deliver services can continue to operate. Permitted to reopen in tiers one and two from 2 December (will remain closed in tier 3). |
|
Pubs and bars |
Closed. Permitted to reopen in tiers one and two (if serving substantial meals) from 2 December (will remain closed in tier 3). |
| Accommodation | No overnight stays for tourism. Overnight stays away from home are only permitted for work or education. |
|
Shops and services |
|
| Non-essential retail | Closed. Permitted to open from 2 December. |
| Hairdressers and beauty salons | Closed. Permitted to open from 2 December. |
| Places of worship | Closed except for funerals and individual worship. Open for collective worship from 2 December. |
|
Sports and leisure |
|
|
Outdoor sports and exercise |
Closed. Permitted to open from 2 December. |
|
Indoor sports and exercise |
Gyms and sports centres closed. Gyms permitted to open from 2 December. |
|
Leisure and entertainment venues |
All leisure and entertainment activities closed. |
-->
England
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4
Meeting friends and family
Leaving the house and domestic travel
No restrictions on leaving house. Avoid non-essential travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas.
No restrictions on leaving house. Avoid non-essential travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas. No restrictions on leaving the house. No non-essential domestic travel. ‘Stay at home’, you may only leave the house with people from your household. Meeting friends and family outdoors
Up to six people from different households may meet.
Up to six people from different households may meet outdoors. Up to six people from different households may only meet in outdoor public spaces such as parks. Can meet or exercise outdoors in public spaces such as parts with one person from outside your household. Meeting indoors at home
Up to six people from different households may meet.
No meetings indoors with other households (apart from support bubble). No meetings indoors with other households (apart from support bubble). No meetings indoors with other households (apart from support bubble). Meeting indoors in public places Up to six people from different households may meet. No meetings indoors with other households (apart from support bubble). No meetings indoors with other households (apart from support bubble). No meetings indoors with other households (apart from support bubble). Weddings and civil partnerships Permitted with maximum of 15 attendees. Permitted with maximum of 15 attendees. Permitted with maximum of 15 attendees but receptions are not allowed. Should not take place except in ‘exceptional circumstances’ with maximum of six attendees.
Funerals
Permitted with maximum of 30 attendees.
Permitted with maximum of 30 attendees. Permitted with maximum of 30 attendees. Permitted with a maximum of 30 people. Linked religious or commemorative events with a maximum of six people.
Hospitality and accommodation
Cafes and restaurants
Open. ‘Rule of six’ applies.
Open. No mixing with other households indoors. Closed Closed
Pubs and bars
Open. Table service only for licenced premises. Last orders at 10pm, closing time at 11pm. ‘Rule of six’ applies.
Only open if operating as a restaurant. Last orders at 10pm, closing time at 11pm. No mixing with other households indoors. Closed Closed Accommodation Open Open Closed except for work stays Closed except where person cannot return home for work stays.
Shops and services
Non-essential retail Open Open Open Closed Hairdressers and beauty salons Open Open Open Closed Places of worship Open. ‘Rule of six’ applies. Open but no socialising outside household. Open but no socialising outside household. Open but no socialising outside household.
Sports and leisure
Outdoor sports and exercise
No restrictions.
No restrictions. Permitted, but except for higher-risk contact sport. Outdoor sports courts can remain open for individual exercise.
Indoor sports and exercise
Gyms and sports centres open. Indoor organised sport subject to ‘rule of six’. Larger groups permitted for sport for under-18s, educational, and disability sport.
Gyms and sports centres open. No indoor organised sport with other households except under-18s, educational, and disability sport. Gyms and sports centres open. No indoor organised sport with other households except under-18s, educational, and disability sport. Closed
Leisure and entertainment venues
Theatres, cinemas, concert halls and casinos may open. Nightclubs remain closed.
Theatres, cinemas, concert halls and casinos may open. Nightclubs remain closed. Closed Closed Outdoor and indoor events Limited to 50% capacity or 4,000 people outdoors, 1,000 people indoors. Limited to 50% capacity or 2,000 people outdoors, 1,000 people indoors. Not permitted. Not permitted. -->
National guidance and regulations |
|
|---|---|
Meeting friends and family |
|
|
Leaving the house, domestic travel and international travel |
There are no legal restrictions on leaving the house or domestic travel. People travelling to England from outside the Common Travel Area will need to adhere to different testing and/or quarantine restrictions depending on country of origin and whether or not they are vaccinated. |
| Meeting friends and family outdoors | There are no restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting. |
| Meeting indoors at home | There are no restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting. |
| Meeting indoors in public places | There are no restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting. |
| Weddings and civil partnerships | There are no restrictions on the number of attendees. |
|
Funerals |
There are no restrictions on the number of attendees. |
|
Schools and nurseries |
|
| Early years | Early years settings including nurseries and childminding remain open. |
| Schools |
Primary and secondary schools are open. |
| Hospitality and accommodation | |
|
Cafes and restaurants |
Open. |
|
Pubs and bars |
Open. |
| Accommodation |
Open. |
|
Shops and services |
|
| Non-essential retail | Open. |
| Hairdressers and beauty salons | Open. |
| Places of worship |
Open with no restrictions. |
|
Sports and leisure |
|
|
Outdoor sports and exercise |
No restrictions on sports and exercise. |
|
Indoor sports and exercise |
No restrictions on sports and exercise. |
|
Leisure and entertainment venues |
All venues are permitted to reopen. |
| Outdoor and indoor events |
Large events can resume without any limits on the number of attendees. |
Scotland
|
|
National regulations and guidance |
|---|---|
|
Meeting friends and family |
|
| Leaving the house, domestic travel and international travel |
There are no legal restrictions on leaving the house or domestic travel. People travelling to Scotland from outside the Common Travel Area will need to adhere to different testing and/or quarantine restrictions depending on country of origin and whether or not they are vaccinated. |
|
Meeting outdoors |
There are no restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting. |
|
Meeting indoors at home |
There are no restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting. |
|
Meeting indoors in public spaces |
There are no restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting. |
| Weddings and civil partnerships | There are no restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting. |
|
Funerals |
There are no restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting. |
|
Schools and nurseries |
|
| Early years | Open. |
| Schools |
Open. |
|
Hospitality and accommodation |
|
|
Cafes and restaurants |
Open. |
|
Pubs |
Open. |
| Accommodation | Open. Businesses will be legally required to take measures to minimise the risk of transmission. |
|
Shops and services |
|
| Non-essential retail | Open. Businesses should follow guidance and take measures to minimise the risk of transmission. |
| Hairdressers and beauty salons | Open. Businesses should follow guidance and take measures to minimise the risk of transmission. |
| Places of worship |
Open. |
|
Sports and leisure |
|
|
Outdoor sports and exercise |
Open. |
|
Indoor sports and exercise |
Open. |
|
Leisure and entertainment venues |
All venues permitted to open. |
| Outdoor and indoor events | Large events can resume without any limits on the number of attendees. |
Wales
|
|
National guidance and regulations |
|---|---|
| Leaving the house, domestic travel and international travel | People travelling to Wales from outside the Common Travel Area will need to adhere to different testing and/or quarantine restrictions depending on country of origin and whether or not they are vaccinated. |
|
Meeting outdoors |
There are no restrictions on how many people can meet outdoors. |
| Meeting indoors at home | People are advised to limit mixing with other households Indoor events of over 30 people are not permitted. |
| Meeting indoors in public places | No more than six people must meet in pubs, restaurants and cinemas and other public indoor spaces. These restrictions will be lifted on 28 January. |
|
Weddings and civil partnerships |
Wedding and civil partnerships are not subject to the same limits as other events. Maximum numbers are determined by the capacity for social distancing of the venue and all guest will be required to take a lateral flow test. |
|
Funerals |
Funerals and wakes are not subject to the same limits as other events. Maximum numbers are determined by the capacity for social distancing of the venue and all guest will be required to take a lateral flow test. |
|
Schools and nurseries |
|
| Early years | Childcare services permitted to operate. |
| Schools |
Open. |
|
Hospitality, retail and accommodation |
|
|
Cafes and restaurants |
Open, subject to the rule of 6 from 26 December, and additional measures including table service and contact detail collection. These restrictions are due to be lifted on 28 January. |
|
Pubs |
Open, subject to the rule of 6 from 26 December, and additional measures including table service and contact detail collection. These restrictions are due to be lifted on 28 January. |
| Accommodation | Open. |
|
Shops and services |
|
| Non-essential retail | Open. |
| Hairdressers and beauty salons | Hairdressers and barbers open. Close contact services open. |
| Places of worship | Open. |
|
Sports and leisure |
|
|
Outdoor sports and exercise |
|
|
Indoor sports and exercise |
Open. |
|
Leisure and entertainment venues |
Nightclubs closed from 27 December but can reopen from 28 January. Other regulated premises subject to subject to the rule of 6 from 26 December, and additional measures including table service and contact detail collection. |
| Outdoor and indoor events | All events must have a risk assessment. Indoor organised events are limited to 30 people, there are no restrictions on outdoor events. |
Northern Ireland
|
|
National regulations and guidance |
|---|---|
|
Meeting friends and family |
|
| Leaving the house, domestic travel and international travel |
There are no legal restrictions on leaving the house. People travelling to Northern Ireland from outside the Common Travel Area will need to adhere to different testing and/or quarantine restrictions depending on country of origin and whether or not they are vaccinated. |
|
Meeting outdoors |
No fixed limit on number of attendees at outdoor gatherings. Outdoor gatherings of more than 30 people require a risk assessment. |
|
Meeting indoors at home |
Up to 30 people can meet inside a private home and stay overnight. |
| Meeting indoors in a public place |
Maximum number of people based on risk assessment, indoor gatherings of under 15 people do not require a risk assessment, |
|
Weddings and civil partnerships |
Permitted – number of people allowed to attend informed by the risk assessment. |
|
Funerals |
Permitted – number of people allowed to attend informed by the risk assessment. |
|
Schools and nurseries |
|
| Early years | Childcare services permitted to operate. |
| Schools |
Open. |
|
Hospitality, retail and accommodation |
|
|
Cafes and restaurants |
Open. |
|
Pubs |
Open. |
| Accommodation |
All tourist accommodation permitted to reopen. |
|
Shops and services |
|
| Non-essential retail |
Open. |
| Hairdressers and beauty salons |
Open. |
| Places of worship | Open for services, with numbers determined by risk assessment. |
|
Sports and leisure |
|
|
Outdoor sports and exercise |
All outdoor sport permitted. Risk assessments required for over 30 people. |
|
Indoor sports and exercise |
Indoor sports centres open. Group activities permitted, and risk assessments required for over 15 people. |
|
Leisure and entertainment venues |
Theatres, concert halls, outdoor and indoor visitor attractions open. Nightclubs to reopen from 26 January. |
| Outdoor and indoors events | Outdoor events and indoor seated events permitted with no cap on numbers. Indoor standing events are prohibited but will be permitted from 26 January. |
This explainer summarises key differences in approach to coronavirus restrictions in each part of the UK. It is for information purposes only and is not official government guidance.
- Topic
- Devolution Coronavirus
- United Kingdom
- Scotland Wales Northern Ireland
- Publisher
- Institute for Government