THE UK'S best neighbours during lockdown have been revealed in the South West – as most Londoners haven't checked on theirs even ONCE.
Kind Brits have stepped up to the plate – shopping and even walking the dogs for their neighbours in need during the pandemic.
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The actions of selfless Brits were revealed by the Office for National Statistics today as it was revealed 63.7 per cent of people in the South West checked on their neighbours at least once during the lockdown.
About 60 per cent of locals in the East Midlands, Wales and North West also checked in on neighbours at least once.
Adversely, 40 per cent of Londoners never checked on their neighbours if they needed help between April 3 and May 3. Only 47.6 per cent said they had checked once.
In the Opinions and Lifestyle survey, the ONS said: "However, in terms of doing errands for a neighbour, such as shopping or walking dogs, the countries and regions are far more comparable.
"On average, around 31 per cent of people helped their neighbours at least once during April, varying from 26 per cent in the North West to 36 per cent in Yorkshire and The Humber and the East Midlands."
Other key findings in today's ONS stats reveal
- 80 per cent of adults were worried about the effect that the coronavirus was having on their life
- Londoners were the least aware of the government's Stay at home guidelines in April
- Brits between 16 and 34 years old said they were less worried about the pandemic than older age groups
- Exercise, reading and watching TV have been coping mechanisms during lockdown
The detailed survey revealed that during April, 22 per cent reported that they had felt lonely at least some of the time.
Londoners were the most likely to feel isolated, while people in the South East were the least likely to report struggling with feelings of loneliness during the lockdown.
But as the lockdown headed into its second month, Brits revealed they were turning to a string of hobbies to help them cope.
Most turned to speaking with friends and family while 63 per cent focused on exercise.
Others focused on reading, gardening and watching TV and streaming services.
LOCKDOWN STRAIN
At least 40 per cent of those surveyed said that the lockdown had put a strain on their personal or work relationships – affected their well-being during April.
It comes as Boris Johnson last night said barbecues and garden parties for 10 person "bubbles" could be allowed from the end of June.
He hailed relaxing of the lockdown as a step on the road to "rebuilding our country" and urged Brits to "spend" to help the economy to "bounce back".
The new relaxation measures will pave the way for millions of people to head back to work.
It means clothes shops, department stores and independent retailers can finally break free of the lockdown, imposed since March 23.
Mr Johnson said people should "get out and enjoy themselves in the open air from June 1" if they can.
The new proposals may be part of a wider move to allow people to mix in "social bubbles" of up to 10 people outdoors.
In addition, the Government is also examining how to enable people to gather in slightly larger groups to better facilitate small weddings.
Earlier today, the ONS also released the number of fatalities reported from coronavirus during the pandemic – revealing the true toll had reached more than 47,000.
In heartening news, the number of people who died of coronavirus in England and Wales dropped to its lowest number in six weeks – although 3,810 still died.
In care homes, the number of fatalities was 2,350 higher than the five year average.
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