Can children whose parents live in separate households still visit both homes? This is what the Government guidance says

Announced in a statement to the nation on Monday, March 23 the guidlines include closing all non-essential shops and community spaces, banning public gatherings of more than two people – excluding those who live in the same house – and ordering people to stay at home, with very limited exceptions.

As families across the North East get to grips with the new instructions, we take a look at what the Government guidance says are the exceptions to the rules – including what happens to children whose parents live in separate households.

When can you leave the house?

Boris Johnson’s televised statement on Monday listed four reasons for members of the public to leave the house. They are:

*Shopping for basic necessities, like food and medicine, as infrequently as possible.

*Taking one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle. This must be undertaken alone, or with members of your household only and people must remain two metres apart from those they don’t live with.

*To tend to any medical need or provide care for a vulnerable person.

*Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely essential and cannot be done from home.

What are the exceptions?

If an adult works in a “critical” sector, or if a child has been identified as vulnerable, these children can still be taken to school by their parents or guardians.

Children under 18 can also be transported between their parents’ homes where they do not live together.

Separate advice is also available for households which are self-isolating, and for those recognised as “extremely vulnerable” to COVID-19, who need to be shielded.

When will the new measures be reviewed?

The Government announced that the new measures will initially last for three weeks, as of Monday, March 23. They will then be looked at again and, if evidence shows it is possible, be relaxed depending on circumstances.

In Monday’s address, Mr Johnson warned that the police and other relevant authorities will have powers to enforce the new guidelines.