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Coronavirus: Can my car still get an MOT? And other questions Coronavirus: Can my car still get an MOT? And other questions
(about 2 hours later)
The UK government has introduced strict new measures to try and slow the spread of coronavirus. But what are you still allowed to do? And what does the virus mean for your health? The UK government has introduced strict new measures to try and slow the spread of coronavirus. But what are you still allowed to do?
Here are the answers to some of the most common readers' questions.Here are the answers to some of the most common readers' questions.
How do you MOT a vehicle if the garage is closed? - W. Burgher, ChristchurchHow do you MOT a vehicle if the garage is closed? - W. Burgher, Christchurch
Garages are allowed to remain open under the new restrictions. MOTs have been suspended for lorries, buses and trailers for up to three months, and MOT testing for cars, motorcycles and light vans is under review.Garages are allowed to remain open under the new restrictions. MOTs have been suspended for lorries, buses and trailers for up to three months, and MOT testing for cars, motorcycles and light vans is under review.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has also suspended driving and motorcycle tests in England, Scotland and Wales for up to three months from 21 March 2020, except for critical workers.The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has also suspended driving and motorcycle tests in England, Scotland and Wales for up to three months from 21 March 2020, except for critical workers.
All practical driving tests are also currently suspended in Northern Ireland until 22 June 2020.All practical driving tests are also currently suspended in Northern Ireland until 22 June 2020.
Can divorced parents keep seeing their kids even if they live in different houses? - Safia Finlay, LymingtonCan divorced parents keep seeing their kids even if they live in different houses? - Safia Finlay, Lymington
Yes. The government guidance on staying at home says: "Where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents' homes."Yes. The government guidance on staying at home says: "Where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents' homes."
Cabinet Minister Michael Gove has also tweeted a message in answer to claims that advice had not been clear enough.Cabinet Minister Michael Gove has also tweeted a message in answer to claims that advice had not been clear enough.
He said that while children should not normally be moving between households, it may be necessary in these circumstances.He said that while children should not normally be moving between households, it may be necessary in these circumstances.
We're due to move house this Friday. Can we? - James Stone, BristolWe're due to move house this Friday. Can we? - James Stone, Bristol
The government is yet to issue official advice for those who have already exchanged contracts and are waiting to move house.The government is yet to issue official advice for those who have already exchanged contracts and are waiting to move house.
The campaign group Homeowners Alliance says it would suggest going through with the move if you can, although it says you may struggle with getting your belongings moved.The campaign group Homeowners Alliance says it would suggest going through with the move if you can, although it says you may struggle with getting your belongings moved.
It also advises you to speak to all of those involved in the process as soon as possible - your solicitor, your buyer and/or seller and your removals company.It also advises you to speak to all of those involved in the process as soon as possible - your solicitor, your buyer and/or seller and your removals company.
Will deliveries from non-essential shops still go ahead? - Jake, EarleyWill deliveries from non-essential shops still go ahead? - Jake, Earley
You should expect deliveries of existing orders to go ahead.You should expect deliveries of existing orders to go ahead.
Government guidelines say that online shopping sites are still open (and encouraged) and postal and delivery services will run as usual.Government guidelines say that online shopping sites are still open (and encouraged) and postal and delivery services will run as usual.
Postal workers will no longer ask customers to sign for deliveries, but will log the recipient's name instead. If items can't fit through letterboxes, postal workers will leave them at the door and step aside to a safe distance to allow people to retrieve their goods. Postal workers will no longer ask customers to sign for deliveries, but will log the recipient's name instead. If items can't fit through letterboxes, they will leave them at the door and step aside to a safe distance to allow people to retrieve their goods.
Retailer John Lewis says it's still offering home deliveries for large items such as furniture or home appliances, but not home installation or assembly.
Currys and AO are also continuing to deliver appliances, but if anyone in the household is self-isolating, items will be delivered to the doorstep.
What if I need to take my pet to a vet? - Tania Barr, LangfordWhat if I need to take my pet to a vet? - Tania Barr, Langford
Vets across the UK remain open, but the latest government advice is that practices should only provide emergency care and must reduce face-to-face contact as much as possible. Vets across the UK remain open, but the latest government advice is that practices should only provide emergency care and must reduce face-to-face contact as ch as possible.
Until more detailed advice is published, people should only go to the vet if they are seeking non-routine, urgent care for their animals. Until more detailed advice is published, people should only go to the vet if they are seeking non-routine, urgent care (or essential food) for their animals.
If you recover from coronavirus, are you immune? - RubyRed on Twitter. Can tradespeople still work at my house? - David, Merstham
It is too soon to tell. This virus has only been around since the end of December, but from experience with other viruses and coronaviruses, you should have antibodies to the virus which will protect you. Tradespeople are not currently on the list of non-essential businesses and premises that the government says must shut (the list is here).
With Sars and other coronaviruses we tended not to see reinfection. Now there are some reports from China of people who are released from hospital subsequently testing positive. That said, the government has banned public gatherings of any more than two people. An exception is made where the gathering is essential for work purposes, "but workers should be trying to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace".
The key thing was that those people were no longer infectious. If tradespeople need to be called out to your home, keep 2m apart and wipe down surfaces before and after their visit.
What is the incubation period for the coronavirus? - Gillian Gibs I sell online and post my goods. Can I still go the Post Office? - Kathryn Lowe, Ibstock
It takes five days on average to start showing the symptoms, scientists have said, but some people will get symptoms much later than this. Post offices are among the shops and outlets which the government has said will remain open.
The incubation period lasts up to 14 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. But some researchers say it may be up to 24 days. However, if you visit a post office, make sure you follow the government guidelines on social distancing. This includes staying 2m away from staff and other customers, and not gathering in large groups.
Knowing and understanding the incubation period is very important. It allows doctors and health authorities to introduce more effective ways of controlling the spread of the virus. Shops and post offices are also required to practise queue control - outside their premises if necessary.
How long are you ill for? - Nita, Maidstone My partner lives away from me. Can we visit each other? - Trevor Sumnerson, Sheffield
For four out of five people Covid-19 will be a mild disease, a bit like flu. No, this would go against the new government measures. In his statement, Boris Johnson said: "If your friends ask you to meet, you should say no. You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home."
Symptoms include a fever and a dry cough. You may feel under the weather for a few days but you should be back to normal within a week or so of symptoms appearing. An exception for this would be if you provided essential care for your partner or vice versa.
If the virus gets well established in the lungs, it can cause breathing difficulties and pneumonia. About one in seven people may need hospital treatment. People have also been told not to make any unnecessary journeys.
Are otherwise healthy disabled people more at risk from coronavirus? - Abigail Ireland, Stockport
Coronavirus can be more severe in older people and those with pre-existing conditions. These include heart and lung illnesses, and diabetes.
There is no evidence that disabled people who are otherwise healthy - and who don't, for instance, have respiratory problems - are at greater risk of dying from, or with, coronavirus.
Should I wear a mask to protect myself and others from the virus? - Ann Hardman, Radcliffe, Manchester
Although doctors and surgeons often wear face masks, there is little evidence that wearing face masks by the public makes a difference.
Public Health England has said they "do not recommend the use of face masks as a means of protection from coronavirus". They say there is very little evidence of widespread benefit from their use, outside of clinical settings,
Can you catch the virus from food prepared by an infected individual? - Sean McIntyre, Brisbane, Australia
Someone infected with coronavirus could potentially pass it on to someone else, if the food they prepare has not been handled hygienically. Coronavirus can be spread by cough droplets on hands. Washing your hands before touching and eating food is good advice for anyone, to stop the spread of germs.
Can coronavirus be transmitted by door handles, other surfaces and money? - Jean Jimenez, Panama
If someone infected with the virus coughs on their hand and then touches something, that surface may become contaminated. Door handles are a good example of a surface that might pose a risk.
It's not yet known how long the new coronavirus might be able to live on such surfaces. Experts suspect it is hours rather than days, but there are differences of opinion.
It is best to wash your hands regularly to help reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the virus.
The Chinese government has said that cash received by all banks must be sterilised before being released to customers, in order to reduce the spread of the disease.
Using contactless cards can minimise the risk of handling cash. However, these cards can also harbour germs and viruses.
Best practice is to wash your hands thoroughly after handling cards, coins or banknotes.
Can the coronavirus be transferred through items posted to the UK from abroad? - Stefan
There is no evidence that this is a risk. Some diseases, including coronavirus, can spread through surfaces contaminated by people coughing or sneezing on them, but it is thought that the virus does not survive for long.
Something sent in the post is unlikely to be contaminated by the time it arrives at its destination.
How do you get gas and electricity if you are on a prepayment meter and can't get to a Post Office to top it up? - David E P Dennis, via Twitter
The energy companies have promised to help you if you have a prepayment meter. So you may be able to authorise a friend to top up your energy card for you.
You could also ask your supplier to send you a card by post, which is already topped up. The government says that if it's urgent, the supplier should be able to add credit directly to your account.
You need to ring the company and talk it through. The new scheme has only just been announced so we will have to see how well it works. You should be able to top-up online as well.
What questions do you have about the coronavirus?What questions do you have about the coronavirus?
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