It is incredibly important to maintain a healthy mind and body during the lockdown, and although the rules have been tightened, there still seems to be some controversy over how far is too far, when out and about.
We have recently been told that you can leave the house to exercise and meet with one other person, as long as you maintain the two-metre rule. Yet, crowds of people have still been gathering at local beauty spots and fines are being issued daily to those “unintentionally” breaking the rules.
Yet, it has not been made clear how far we can go, and if that includes being able to drive to get to your area of choice.
Current Government advice allows people to exercise outside, however, exercise should start and finish from your home and you should stay within your local area. Exercise is also limited to once per day.
Some may ask, can I drive to the local park and exercise? The answer to this is yet to be made clear.
With Matt Hancock quoting “It is OK, if you went for a long walk and ended up seven miles from home, that is OK, but you should stay local.
“It is OK to go for a long walk or a cycle ride or to exercise, but stay local”
Reading between the lines, our advice would be to remain home and if you wish to stretch your legs do so without the need for motor transportation.
What are the valid reasons to leave your home?
As we have seen in the news, people across the UK are being issued with fines for not giving valid reasons as to why they are “out and about”.
Here are the current “reasonable excuses” for being outside of the home –
- Shopping for essentials, this includes food and medicines.
- Exercise – once per day in your local area.
- Offering support such as childcare, which must be within your delegated bubble.
- Travel to accommodate shared parenting.
- Medical appointments and emergencies.
- Education including training and apprenticeships.
- Religious worship.
- Volunteer work – where you are unable to do so from home.
The clinically vulnerable should only go out for medical appointments or exercise BUT only if it is essential.
What are the rules on wearing a mask?
Current advice is, you should wear a mask unless you are medically exempt.
Current guidelines for exemption cards are as follows –
- You do not routinely need to show any written evidence of this
- You do not need to show an exemption card if asked
As it stands, carrying a form of exemption card or proof of exemption is not required by law. However, we would expect this to change if the current situation does not show signs of recovery. Our advice would be to gain proof now and save yourself any “uneasiness” on your next outing.
You can download one from the government website, print it or simply keep it on your phone –
Exemption from face-covering badge (for mobile phone)
Exemption from face-covering badge (to print)
Exemption from face-covering card (to print)
Remember, It is still very important to maintain a healthy mind and body during the lockdown. Our services at Freedom clinics are still in full operation and we are taking bookings. If you require any further advice or medical assistance please do not hesitate to contact our team.
For up to date policies and guidelines please be sure to check with the Government website.
