Coronavirus restrictions
A collection of briefings on national and local coronavirus restrictions and regulations.
Explore the latest coronavirus research
Find quick-read articles and longer briefings on the Government’s response to the coronavirus and its impact on key sectors such as housing, employment, welfare, police powers, the economy and more.
For the latest information on how UK Parliament is reacting to the spread of the coronavirus visit the Parliament website.
Research series
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Covid-19 vaccination
Research from the Commons Library and POST on Covid-19 vaccines and the UK vaccination programme.
Employment rights and the workplace
Research covering employment rights and the workplace during the coronavirus pandemic
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Coronavirus: Returning to work
This paper provides an overview of the rules on Covid-19 and returning to the workplace. It discusses the lifting of lockdown legislation, employer's health and safety obligations, hybrid working and circumstances when workers can refuse to go to work.
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Coronavirus: Impact on the labour market
This is the final version of this paper which tracks the impact of the coronavirus on the labour market from January-March 2020 to January-March 2022.
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Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: statistics
This paper provides statistics and analysis of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Health and social care
Research and analysis about health and social care during the coronavirus outbreak
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Coronavirus: health and social care key issues and sources
This Commons Library briefing paper provides an overview of key issues facing the NHS and social care services during the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, and links to official UK and international guidance and data. It also lists other reliable sources of information in the health and social care sector, including comment from organisations representing patients, staff and service providers. This briefing paper was last updated on 13 July 2020.
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Coronavirus: Covid-19 vaccine roll-out frequently asked questions
This Commons Library briefing addresses commonly asked questions about the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine.
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Omicron and new coronavirus variants
This page provides an overview of what is known about the Omicron variant so far and a summary of the UK Government's response.
Welfare and support schemes
Research exploring the measures introduced to support households and individuals throughout the pandemic
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Coronavirus: Withdrawing crisis social security measures
The Department for Work and Pensions made a series of changes to the social security system in response to the pandemic. Most have now been withdrawn.
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Coronavirus: Support for landlords and tenants
This briefing explains measures taken during the coronavirus outbreak to help renting households retain their homes. It covers calls for more assistance to prevent evictions and homelessness.
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Coronavirus: Self-isolation and Test and Trace Support Payments
This Library Briefing answers frequently asked questions about self-isolation and Test and Trace Support Payments for low-income workers.
Economy and business
Economic updates and research around schemes to support businesses during the coronavirus pandemic
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Coronavirus business support schemes: Statistics
This paper collates data on the number of applications and total support provided under the UK Government coronavirus business support schemes. The attached excel spreadsheet allows users to view data by Parliamentary constituency and local authority.
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Coronavirus: Business interruption insurance
An overview of how business interruption insurance policies have been interpreted in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Coronavirus: Business loans schemes
An overview of the development and rollout of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme, the Coronavirus Larger Business Interruption Loans Scheme and the Bounce Back Loans Scheme, including refinements and challenges, as well as the subsequent Recovery Loans Scheme.
Home affairs
Analysis and research on how emergency powers may affect areas such as policing, prisons, funerals and access to domestic abuse services during the coronavirus pandemic
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Coronavirus: the lockdown laws
This Library briefing paper explains the types of coronavirus restrictions and requirements that have been imposed by the UK's lockdown laws. Currently no restrictions on domestic movement, gatherings or business opening/service limits are in place in any part of the UK.
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Coronavirus: enforcing restrictions
This Library briefing paper discusses the enforcement of coronavirus restrictions regulations in England and Wales. It explains who has powers to enforce the restrictions and what those powers are. It also summarises statistics on the number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs- fines) issued by police for coronavirus offences.
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Coronavirus: A history of English lockdown laws
This Library briefing paper provides a history of England's coronavirus "lockdown laws"
Education, childcare and families
Research exploring the impact on childcare and education as a result of the coronavirus outbreak
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Coronavirus and schools
Examines the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on schools and pupils in England. Updated following the end of public health restrictions, in February 2022
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Coronavirus: GCSEs, A Levels and equivalents in 2022
Provides background on exams in 2022. It covers adaptions, absence, grading, and appeals. Updated for release of Scotland's exam results on 9 August 2022
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Coronavirus: HE/FE return to campus in England 2021
This briefing paper discusses Covid-19 announcements affecting the Further and Higher Education sectors in England from January 2021. It outlines areas such as the return of students to campuses and refunds for students affected by the disruptions.
Parliament, government and elections
Research and analysis explaining parliamentary consent, the Coronavirus Bill, and how the pandemic may impact elections
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Renewing parts of the Coronavirus Act, new public health regulations and parliamentary proceedings
There will be a debate in the Commons Chamber on 25 March on four motions on coronavirus legislation and parliamentary proceedings during the pandemic.
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The coronavirus timeline: Measures taken by the House of Commons
The coronavirus timeline sets out the Commons’ response to the pandemic, including key ‘lock down’ dates and changes to the way parliamentarians worked. It includes links to the relevant debates in Hansard, Speaker’s Statements, Procedure Committee reports, the ‘Members’ Guide to hybrid proceedings’ and correspondence on proceedings during the pandemic.
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Coronavirus: Parliamentary consent for the lockdown in England
This insight explains why MPs are now considering a motion to approve the legislation that underpins the current lockdown in England.
Around the world
Analysis on the response to the coronavirus from across the world
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Coronavirus in developing countries: Mapping national policy responses
This Insight maps the main trends in coronavirus policy to date among developing countries.
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Coronavirus: Access to vaccines in developing countries
The challenge to secure enough vaccines for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
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Covax and global access to Covid-19 vaccines
The purchasing and administration of Covid-19 vaccines has been dominated by richer economies. In April 2020, the Covax initiative was established to ensure fair access to vaccines worldwide.
Coronavirus research from the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST)
Find the latest reporting on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) papers and Covid-19 vaccines
Coronavirus research from the Lords Library
Find briefings and blogs produced to support the work of the House of Lords in scrutinising and debating the Government’s response to coronavirus.
