Covid-19 news: Coronavirus restrictions to ease slightly in England

People in England can return to work if they can't work from home Restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus are being eased slightly in England this week, but many have criticised the government for creating confusion with a new slogan telling people to "stay alert", which replaces previous advice to "stay at home." In a video message broadcast on Sunday evening, prime minister Boris Johnson announced the following changes to the government's policy in England, which are listed in full online and will come into effect from Wednesday 13 May: These new policies mean that social distancing rules in England are now different from the advice given to UK citizens in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon said people should continue to "stay at home", and Northern Ireland's first minister Arlene Foster also rejected the new slogan. Some London Underground platforms were packed with passengers this morning following last night's announcement.