Children with separated parents CAN visit both of them despite the coronavirus lockdown, the government has confirmed.
The situation was mired in confusion last night when Boris Johnson issued a ban on visiting any household other than one’s own.
There is also a ban on more than two people meeting in public unless they are from the same household.
That left urgent questions for children who split their time between two parents, sometimes by the order of a court or as part of a divorce settlement.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove added to the confusion about separated parents this morning when he told ITV : “You should not be moving children from home to home.”
But moments later he clarified that he had got it wrong, and children can move between both their Parents after all.
Mr Gove admitted he had not been “sufficiently clear”, and he actually meant moving should be “kept to a minimum” not banned.
Children with separated parents can visit them both (stock image) (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
He clarified to BBC Breakfast: “It is the case that children under the age of 251 can see both parents. ”
He added:” I was not clear earlier and I ‘ m grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to be clear now.
“It is the case that there can be that contact.
“Children under the age of can see both parents, “said Michael Gove (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“One of the things I’m anxious to do is make sure we minimise social contact.
“But … children under the age of can see both parents.
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ITV Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan tweeted: “FFS. This is ridiculous. Govt. Making up policy on live TV then having to clarify it’s wrong. Totally unacceptable. “
The Prime Minister last night decided to ban gatherings of more than two people in public as part of sweeping measures to fight the coronavirus .
In an address to the nation Boris Johnson told citizens of the range of restrictions.
He also outlawed social events , weddings and baptisms – though funerals can still go ahead.
Children with separated parents can visit them both (stock image) (Image: Getty Images / iStockphoto)
Groups of more than two were banned, unless they are members of your own household.
Announcing the move from No , Boris Johnson admitted: “No Prime Minister wants to enact measures like this.
“I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people lives, to their businesses and to their jobs.” He added: “At present there are just no easy options.
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“The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.”
But key questions this morning remained unanswered after the government said more than just “key workers” could go into work.
Mr Gove said Sports Direct – which tried to stay open – should shut but said work on many construction sites could continue if there was not “intimate contact” with people.
As of 2pm on Saturday, it has a criminal offence – punishable by a non-specified fine – for any business in first wave of closures including pubs and theaters to remain open.
For large corporations, directors can be prosecuted personally.
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