Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update 

Last updated: 05.12.2021

Covid-19 UK Relocation update

We wanted to provide a Coronavirus (Covid-19) update to keep our clients up to speed.

The Covid-19 situation in the UK as of December 2021 is fairly stable. As of 30th November the UK government introduced further restrictions due to new variant Omicron establishing itself within the population. Generally people are free to travel to work, carry out errands and socialise as they normally would pre-covid-19 although there are a small level of restrictions still in place.

Current restrictions

Most restrictions, like the full countrywide lock-down and 2m social distancing rules, have been lifted but there are still some important guidance measures in place. The government has asked people to:

•  Get vaccinated – around 80% of the public are vaccinated as on 5.12.2021. Many are now receiving their 3rd, booster vaccine.

•  Wear a mask or face covering – it is mandatory to wear a mask in shops and public transport.

•  All international arrivals to take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative test

•  All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their age or vaccination status

•  Get tested and self isolate if required to do. Usually if you have any covid-19 symptoms of if you are asked to by the UK’s test and trace system – find out more

•  Wash your hands regularly

•  Cover your face when you cough or sneeze

•  Use the Covid-19 NHS app 

•  Limit close contact with others

•  Utilise the NHS Covid pass to prove your vaccination status 

Read up about these protections here. 

 

Travelling into the UK from abroad

• From 4am, Tuesday 7 December all people aged 12 years and over must take a PCR  or LFD COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad. You must take the test within the 2 days before you travel to England. This will apply whether you qualify as fully vaccinated or not. Click here for more information. Some people may be exempt. You can check this here.

• As long as the country you are travelling from is not on the red-list then you are now able to travel to the UK. If you are fully vaccinated by a recognised vaccine then you will not need to isolate but you will need to take a test and declare the results on the 2nd day after your arrival – find out more here. If you are not fully vaccinated then you can still enter but you will have to isolate for 10 days, please read more here.

• If you are travelling from a red-list country, or have been in a red-list country in the 10 days prior to arriving in the UK then there are more stringent rules in place. You can only come to the UK from a red list country if you are a British or Irish National or have residence rights in the UK. You will need to take a COVID-19 test (3 days before you travel to England), book a quarantine hotel package for 10 days which includes 2 COVID-19 tests and complete a passenger locator form.

There are different rules in place for children.

For up to date guidance on red-list countries see here.

Vaccinations

The vaccination programme continues to be rolled out to all citizens above 18 years of age. The programme has been ongoing since December 2020 with older and more vulnerable people in our population vaccinated first. As of 11th October 2021, 62% of our population has received two vaccination doses and are classed as fully vaccinated. The three approved vaccines for the UK are Moderna, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech. The Janessen is also approved and will be available later this year.  You can find out more about them on the NHS (National Health Service) website.

• Moderna vaccine
• Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine
• Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
• Janssen vaccine (available later this year)

 

Our service during the Coronavirus pandemic

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic all customer briefings will preferably be taken over Zoom video calls as we find it a more personable approach to speaking with our clients. Alternatively we are able to offer telephone or Skype calls. Whether you are a private or corporate client this update should provide you with the right links to government advice about moving during the pandemic.

Viewing property

For the majority of property viewings most estate agents are either providing video content tours if preferred or socially distanced physical viewings. Virtual tours will include footage of all bedrooms, gardens, parking and street views. For physical tours please review the guidance below. Once a property is chosen we can of course request a more detailed video or arrange a socially distanced visit if you have further queries.

Hygiene Procedures during Home Searches

As the house search often involves interaction between individuals we encourage the following:

•  Mask wearing is encouraged for home searches for everyone present except for small children. For full guidance see here 

• Wash hands regularly throughout the day and avoid touching the face. When handwashing facilities are not available carry hand sanitizer and to use it regularly upon entering and exiting properties.

• After coughing or sneezing cover your mouth or nose with a tissue or your sleeve, not your hands. Always throw the tissue away straight after use and wash your hands.

• Our relocation agents will advise if there are specific Covid-19 requirements depending on the estate agent marketing the property

• Avoid touching areas of the home especially if someone is already living there

Hygiene procedures during school visits

Most schools have now resumed parental school visits to allow you to experience the feel for the school and ask questions. Please be considerate when visiting schools and wear a mask during your visit. Some schools may have specific rules in place such as only allowing one adult per pupil to enter the school at a time.

Travel advice for school searches, home searches and orientation tours

•  Limit your use of public transport including buses, trains, trams and taxis

•  Please be aware that if you do decide to use public transport, some services may still require you to wear face coverings.

• Use hand sanitiser to regularly keep your hands clean and tissues to reduce the spread if you are coughing and sneezing.

Click here for more NHS guidance on safe travelling

 

Symptoms of Covid-19 

A high temperature

A new, continuous cough

A loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

If you feel like you have any one of these symptoms it is important to get tested and to stay at home and isolate. For more information about checking your symptoms and what to do if you are displaying symptoms click here to view the NHS guidance and testing advice.