New National Lockdown Restrictions
As per the Prime Minister’s address last Saturday evening, there will be another nationwide lockdown starting on Thursday 5th November 2020.
This second lockdown sees many of the same measures as the first in the spring, however there are a few differences which we’ll go through below.
For further information and the latest guidelines, please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november
Can I leave my home?
You should not leave your house except for one of the following reasons:
- For work if you cannot work from home
- To exercise outdoors or visit an outdoor public space – this can be with your household, your support bubble or 1 on 1 with another person from another household
- For childcare or education
- Essential shopping for food, medicine and other basic necessities
- To provide care for a vulnerable person or visit members of your support bubble
- For any medical concerns, appointments or emergencies
- To avoid or escape risk of injury or harm such as domestic abuse
The government has expressed that this list is not exhaustive and there will be other limited circumstances you may be permitted to leave your home.
Can I go to the pub?
No. Pubs, restaurants, bars and non-essential retail shops will be closed. However, takeaways and click-and-collect shopping will be allowed.
Can I go to the gym?
No. Leisure and entertainment venues including cinemas, gyms, hair dressers and bowling alleys will all be shut.
Can I go to the opticians?
Yes! Essential services including opticians, pharmacies, pet stores, supermarkets. garden centres and hardware stores will remain open.
However, you should limit your time outside as much as possible and only visit these venues if absolutely necessary for essential supplies.
Can my child still go to school?
Yes, all schools, universities and colleges have been allowed to remain open.
University students mustn’t travel back and forth between their permanent home and their student home during term time and should only return home at the end of term for Christmas.
Can I go to work?
Anyone who cannot work from home effectively should continue to go to work/attend their workplace. This may be those who work in construction, manufacturing, national infrastructure and public sector.
If you have to go into the office, it’s important to follow the COVID-secure guidelines closely. This includes maintaining +1 metre distance, wearing a face mask, ensuring you have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and increased ventilation.
Should I shield?
There has been no suggestion that those more vulnerable should return to shielding, so if you feel comfortable, you’re able to leave the house for the reasons listed above.
Can I go on holiday in the UK?
No you cannot.
This includes travelling to second homes you may have in different locations around the UK.
Hotels, hostels and other accommodations may be open with limited service but should only be used for work purposes.
Can my child still go to nursery?
Many nurseries, registered childcare and other childcare activities such as wraparound care when parents have to work will remain accessible.
It is also possible for parents to form a childcare bubble with another household for the purposes of informal childcare when the child is 13 or younger.
Can I see family and friends?
Unless they are part of your household or support bubble, you must not meet indoors or in private gardens.
You may meet in an outdoor public space with 1 person from another household but social distancing measures should still be followed.
Outdoor spaces include:
- Parks, beaches, countryside
- Public gardens, allotments
- Playgrounds
Can I still form a support bubble?
Yes.
This means a single person household can form a support bubble with another household of any size and can have close contact with this household as if they were members of your own household.
Once this bubble has been created, you shouldn’t change who is a part of this bubble.
The full details on the new national lockdown restrictions are available here: www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november