On Saturday the 31st of October the government announced new restrictions with a second national lockdown – not quite the Halloween treat anyone was hoping for.
With cases rapidly rising in the UK, the government have advised this is currently the only option. However, the restrictions plan to be eased within a month on a local and regional basis. The furlough scheme has also been extended in order to support those who cannot work throughout this time.
When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we reduce the spread of the infection. The measures will come in effect from 00:01am on Thursday 5th of November until 00:01am Wednesday 2nd of November and mean we should:
- Stay at home, except for specific purposes.
- Avoid meeting people you do not live with, except for specific purposes.
- Close certain businesses and venues.
Why a second lockdown?
These new measures will reduce the growth rate of the virus, which will:
- prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed
- ensure schools, colleges and universities can stay open
- ensure that as many people as possible can continue to work
What businesses are allowed to stay open during lockdown?
Certain businesses are allowed to remain open providing they follow strict COVID-19 guidelines.
- Essential retail such as food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, hardware stores, building merchants and off-licences.
- Petrol Stations, car repair and MOT services, bicycle shops, and taxi and vehicle hire businesses.
- Banks, building societies, post offices, loan providers and money transfer businesses
- Funeral directors
- Launderettes and dry cleaners
- Medical and dental services
- Vets and pet shops
- Agricultural supplies shops
- Storage and distribution facilities
- Car parks, public toilets and motorway service areas.
- Outdoor playgrounds
How to stay safe during the pandemic
We can all play our part to help stop the spread, keep others safe, and keep businesses open. Remember: ‘Hands, Face, Space’.
- hands – wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
- face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet
- space – stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors)
