The government has issued (1 May) new guidance on access to green spaces. Recognising that exercise is still important for people’s physical and mental wellbeing, the government has said people can leave their homes for exercise once a day.

Please use the following guidance in order to stay safe:

• stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily. If you (or a person in your care) have a specific health condition that has routinely required you to leave the home to maintain your health – including if that involves travel beyond your local area – then you can do so, ideally in line with a formal care plan agreed with a medical professional
• you should only go outside alone or with members of your own household
• keep at least two metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times
• you should not gather with more than two people who aren’t from the same household in parks or other public spaces. The police will enforce this
• if you have a garden, make use of the space for exercise and fresh air
• take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors
• if walking your dog in areas used by other people, you should walk your dog on a lead to ensure you can safely keep 2 metres away from others. You can find further guidance for pet owners here

The latest operational update from the Environment Agency covers EA staff and offices, flood defence construction work, regulation, fishing, waterways and more.

Considering the links between flooding and Covid, an Interesting article on what might happen if a major flood event and the virus were combined, and how we can use this understanding to better prepare.

Finally, the new newsletter from the National Flood Forum argues that “flooded people hardly have time to take a breath before impacted by Covid19”.