Latest COVID-19 information and advice in Plymouth

As businesses begin to reopen, we’re looking forward to welcoming you back to Britain’s Ocean City – but your visit might be different to usual.

Guidance for guests who become unwell while on holiday in England

The government has outlined advice for people who become unwell while on holiday in England:

• Guests who develop coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms while staying in overnight accommodation should inform the accommodation provider immediately, self-isolate and request a test by calling 119 or online at nhs.uk.
• Guests who test positive should return home as quickly and directly as possible, continuing to self-isolate until they can arrange for private transport.
• In most cases it will not be possible to self-isolate in the holiday accommodation and guests should arrange to return home as safely and quickly as possible.
• If the accommodation provider agrees, guests may extend their stay in order to self-isolate until they are well enough to travel. Unless otherwise provided for in contractual terms of the booking, the guest will be expected to pay the costs of an extended stay in all but exceptional circumstances.

As a reminder, here is the guidance for accommodation providers on hosting guests that have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Guidance on the "Rule of Six"

The Government has published further guidance on the new “Rule of Six” (note that this applies just to England).

Meeting Others Safely

This new guidance provides more detail  on the exemptions, which include:

• Weddings
• Education and training
• Work or voluntary/charitable services
• Some organised indoor and outdoor sports, physical activity and exercise classes (further linked details are provided on this)
• Youth groups or activities

The guidance also clarifies that  COVID-19 secure venues can continue to host people up to their social distancing capacity but that no one can visit in a group of more than 6 (except for the exemptions and where the household (including bubble) is greater than 6)

Travel changes and transport information

Plymouth Citybus and GWR have introduced changes to their schedule with a reduced service. 

Plymouth Citybus

Most services have returned to timetables that are similar to their pre-coronavirus times on weekdays. Frequencies on many evening services have been reduced due to the continued closure of leisure and entertainment venues. All our main services are running at pre-coronavirus frequencies.

All our timetables can be viewed on the Citybus website, or you can plan your journey by downloading theirmobile app. Search Plymouthbus in the app store.

In line with guidance from the government, you will need to wear a face covering on public transport from Monday 15 June.

Great Western Railway

You must wear a face covering when you travel by public transport, including at our stations and on our trains in England. We strongly recommend that you use one wherever you travel with GWR.

Some people may not be able to wear a face covering safely. For example, children under 11, people with breathing difficulties, or those whose disabilities make it difficult for them to wear one.

Find out more about the latest travel advice for England

We also suggest that you plan ahead, book in advance, and download your ticket to a mobile device or smart ticket where you can.

Try to not to travel when it’s busy. Our quieter times are normally between 10am to 3pm and after 7pm. To help with social distancing, we’ve reduced the number of spaces available on our trains. Book your ticket in advance and reserve a space on your preferred train if possible – otherwise, we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to board.

Once a train reaches its seating capacity, we will remove it from our booking systems.

Find out more on the GWR website

Water Safety Advice

All forms of water sports practiced on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately-owned motorised craft are now permitted under the new guidance.

If you are launching from a shoreside facility or using a Marina, please be patient with the facility’s decisions that have been taken to protect the safety of the facilities staff and users.

Mayflower 400

To view the latest Mayflower 400 position for Plymouth please visit the Mayflower 400 website. . 

Tourist Information Centre

Plymouth’s Tourist Information Centre on the Barbican has now reopened with safety measures in place.

The team are happy to help answer your queries about visiting Plymouth in person, online or over the phone. You can complete our online contact form, email barbicantic@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 306330 if you need to get in touch.

Information for businesses

Advice for tourism businesses is regularly updated by Visit Britain and can also be found on the Invest Plymouth COVID-19 business support page. You can also contact Plymouth City Council’s Economic Development team if you have specific concerns and are in need of support.