Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I get the latest government information on coronavirus?

If you want access to all government advice on Coronavirus you'll find it here.

What can the police do if I don't follow the advice to stay at home?

If you do not comply the police may:

  • instruct people to go home, leave an area or disperse
  • ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules
  • issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days
  • issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence

Individuals who do not pay a fixed penalty notice under the regulations could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.

If an individual continues to refuse to comply, they will be acting unlawfully, and the police may arrest them where deemed proportionate and necessary.

What's happening with testing?

The Government is fully aware of the importance of testing as many people as possible. They are rapidly increasing the number of tests that are carried out throughout the country, with the aim of testing as many as 100,000 people every day in a few weeks’ time. As I am sure you can appreciate, the priority is to make sure that those tests are being used on the people who need them the most. It goes without saying that as we expand our testing capability, the number of people who can have those tests will also expand–but the priority must remain all patients in critical care or being admitted to hospitals for pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome or flu-like illness.You may be interested to know that Public Health England is currently testing a new antibody test that maybe able to show if a person has had Covid-19.

Do I need to wear a face mask?

When you're doing normal day-to-day activities face masks will do little to protect you from viruses. The best way to reduce any risk of infections is with good hygiene, like washing your hands, not touching your face and avoiding social contact by keeping 6 feet (2 metres) away from others.

Healthcare professionals may wear special masks if they're spending hours each day looking after people who have tested positive for coronavirus, or may have been infected. If someone has been told they have coronavirus, they may be advised to wear a mask to protect others.

Can I get a refund on my train ticket?

Advance tickets will be refunded free of charge. Season ticket holders will be refunded time unused with no administrative charges. Contact the organisation from which you purchased your ticket for details.

How much can I put on a contactless bank card?

To help manage through the coronavirus the limit has been increased to £45.00 from April the 1st.

What can I do about getting an MOT?

MOTs are suspended for lorries, buses and trailers for up to three months. The Government has announced that cars, motorbikes and vans will be given an MOT exemption from the 30th March 2020. But you must still keep your car roadworthy and in a good condition.

Can I get up-to-date news about coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Yes sign up here (check your junk mail for the confirmation email).

Can I still shop online and is it safe?

Yes. Online sites, postal and delivery services will run as usual to ensure people can access essential goods. You won't have to sign for goods and they should be delivered to your home leaving a safe distance.

Can I take my pet to the vet?

Vets are open but practices have been asked to provide emergency services only and face-to-face contact should be limited. So only use the vet for urgent or emergency medical care.

My partner doesn't live with me can I visit them?

No. From the 23rd March government instructions advise not. You should not be meeting friends or even family who do not live in your home, unless you are providing essential care for your partner, friend or family or vice versa and even then you should maintain social distancing.

Should I use hand sanitiser gel or soap and water?

You should wash your hands with soap and water for at last 20 seconds regularly but particularly when you return home. If you're out and about and cannot get access to soap and water cleaning your hands thoroughly with hand sanitiser gel can be effective against the virus.

Can I move house?

Following advice from the Law Society, buyers and renters should, as far as possible, delay moving to a new house while emergency measures are in place. If you are self-isolating, or in a more at risk group it's more important for you to delay. If moving is unavoidable because you're contracted to do so and the other parties aren't able to agree a delay, you must follow advice on social distancing throughout your move.

I'm an NHS or social care worker do I have to pay for parking?

All on-street parking and open, council-run car parks including pay and display will suspend charges for health workers, social care workers and NHS volunteers..Councils will set up local arrangements so NHS and care workers and volunteers can provide suitable evidence that they can display in their windscreen to ensure they avoid parking tickets. Find out more here.

REMEMBER: If you have a question, concern or need help with anything related to the Coronavirus, then please do email me at elliot.colburn.mp@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 5862 - my team and I are working flat out to make sure everyone gets access to the help and advice they need.