Covid-19 update

Good afternoon. A few changes come into effect today, and I wanted to explain them a little.

Non-essential retail
From today, “non-essential” shops may re-open. You will find changes in the way you are able to browse stores – hand sanitising stations, one-way systems, no access to changing rooms and a need to keep apart from others.  Please do bear those in mind and exercise patience and understanding, but please do support our shops if you can.


Face coverings
From today, those travelling on public transport must wear face coverings.  The advice remains to avoid using public transport where possible, but those not wearing a face covering can be refused carriage from today.  This is to coincide with the re-opening of “non-essential” retail, which will see an increase in those using public transport.

There are a number of people who are exempt from this regulation, and a range of situations where you can remove your face covering.  You can find out more about this HERE. 

A face covering does not need to be a mask, if you don’t have a face mask, you can use a scarf, as long as your nose and mouth are covered.  

Support bubbles
From Saturday, those living alone have been able to effectively join another household, without the need for social distancing, in what is being termed “support bubbles”.  This is in recognition of the fact that the past weeks have been especially tough for those living alone.

The new arrangement applies to adults living alone, or those who have dependent children but are the only adults in their household. I’m afraid those who are shielding should not join another household. 

You can find out more about this, and refresh your memory on how to see others safely, HERE. 

Global vaccine summit
The Prime Minister and I chaired the global vaccine summit on 4th June on behalf of the UK. I am delighted to report that we raised US$8.8 billion in support of global vaccine programmes.  You can read more about why this is so vital to us all HERE. 

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Prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, this email bulletin covered local and national topics, often addressing issues which cropped up repeatedly in my inbox.  I will continue to use these emails to update you on coronavirus developments, but I am minded to include wider topics, as my mailbag begins to become more diverse once more.

Best wishes to you all,

Anne-Marie