Charities' views sought on ‘Freedom Day’ changes

Charities are being consulted on how the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions this week is impacting their organisation.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is seeking the views of charities around changes made on, so called, ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19.

This saw legal restrictions around mask wearing and social distancing lifted. Instead there is an expectation that the public will protect each other from the threat of infection.

The sector body is asking charities to complete a survey to share their concerns and experiences of operating amid the restrictions. This will shape the NCVO’s guidance and policy on the issue.

In addition, it is staging an online event called ‘Lifting of coronavirus restrictions: sharing experiences and concerns’. This takes place on 29 July.

Under the relaxing of social distancing measures people do not need to stay two metres apart from people they do not live with. The requirement to wear face coverings has also been lifted, but it is still expected in crowded areas.

The government is also no longer instructing people to work from home if they can.

Earlier this month a coalition of 16 health charities urged the government to do more to protect vulnerable patients following the removal of restrictions.

They warned that around half a million people with underlying health conditions need to be better protected.