New National lockdown restrictions

As of midnight yesterday, the government put in place new national lockdown restrictions.

You must follow the new rules from Thursday 5 November to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect yourself and others. The restrictions come in response to cases of COVID-19 rising significantly across the country. So while it is disappointing that we are staying home once again, please remember that we're doing so to save lives. 

Summary of the new national restrictions 

• You must stay at home except for education, work (if it can't be done from home), exercise and recreation, medical reasons, shopping for food and other essentials, or to care for others. 
• You can leave home for any medical concerns, appointments, and emergencies, or to avoid or escape the risk of injury or harm - such as domestic abuse. The NHS is still open - please attend your existing medical appointments and contact your GP or NHS 111 as normal if you need support. 
• Schools, nurseries, colleges, and universities will remain open - please continue to send your children to school.
• All non-essential shops will close, as will all pubs and restaurants (takeaways and deliveries can continue).
• Outdoor exercise and recreation will be allowed, but gyms will close. Playgrounds will stay open.
• Households will not be allowed to mix with others indoors or in private gardens. Individuals can meet one person from outside their household in an outside public space.
• Support bubbles for people who live alone and households made up of single parents and children can continue.
• Places of worship will generally close but funerals, with a maximum of 30 people attending, individual prayer, and a few other activities will be allowed.
• Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted to take place except in exceptional circumstances.
• Some workplaces can stay open if people cannot work from home - including construction and manufacturing.
• Those who are clinically vulnerable are advised not to go to work if they are unable to work from home. Further government advice will be released this week and people who may need to register for support or advice will be able to do so on the government website.

For further guidance on the new national lockdown measures click here