Coronavirus: The precise government list of ‘reasonable excuses’ for leaving the house – plus which services can still stay open

To enforce them, the police can fine people and use “reasonable force” to disperse them.

The Secretary of State must review the need for restrictions and requirements imposed by these Regulations at least once every 21 days.

The full list of “reasonable excuses” the government has given to leave the house are:


The government provides a list of that things count as “reasonable excuses” for leaving the house. Specifically it says this “includes the need”:

l To get food and medical supplies (including for pets) and supplies for “essential upkeep” of the home, or to “obtain money”;

l To exercise alone or with a member of the household;

l For medical help (including emergencies) and to provide care to the vulnerable;

l To give blood;

l For work or to volunteer (where this cannot be done at home);

l To attend funerals of (i) people you live with or close family (ii) – or “if no-one within sub-paragraphs (i) or (ii) is attending, a friend”;

l For the purpose of legal proceedings, answering bail, or otherwise “fulfil a legal obligation”;

l To access “crucial public services” (including childcare or education, social care, victims’ services, or services provided by the Department for Communities);

l Where a parent or parents and children live apart, to continue existing arrangements for contact between parents and children;

l To move house;

l To visit churches (if you are priest or minister);

l And to avoid injury, illness or harm.

Homeless people are exempt from these regulations.

Meanwhile gatherings of more than two people are allowed only if they:

l Involve only people from one household

l Are essential for work;

l For attending a funeral;

l Are to facilitate a house move;

l are to participate in legal proceedings, or fulfil a legal obligation;

l Are to provide care to the vulnerable or emergency help;

When it comes to enforcement, the law allows:

Police to order someone home, or take them home using “reasonable force”;

If they fail to listen, they will be committing an offence;

They can be convicted and fined for this, up to a maximum of £5,000;

Police can also hand out fixed-penalties of £60 (dropping to £30 if paid within 14 days), and rising to £120 for repeat offenders;

Ultimately, offenders can accumulate fines capped at the level of £960.

The ONLY businesses and amenities which can open are as follows:

Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops;

Off licences and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries;

Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists;

Newsagents;

Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores;

Petrol stations;

Car repair and MOT services;

Bicycle shops;

Taxi or vehicle hire businesses;

Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers and cash points;

Post offices;

Funeral directors;

Laundrettes and dry cleaners;

Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health;

Veterinary surgeons and pet shops;

Agricultural supplies shops;

Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business included in this Part;

Car parks;

Public toilets.

You can read the full official document containing the government regulations at this link.