All of England’s second lockdown restrictions and rules

Second national lockdown : here is a guide to what you can and can't do under the new rules and restrictions.

Boris Johnson has put England into a second national lockdown from today until December 2 – here is a guide to what you can and can’t do under the new rules and restrictions.

Second lockdown rules and restrictions

  • You can leave your house to take exercise and buy necessities
  • You can buy necessities for your household or someone vulnerable.
  • You can exercise outside to your heart’s desire, either alone or with members of your own household. A new rule means you can meet one friend or family member from another household in a public space to exercise but children under the age of 5 don’t count.
  • You can go to places of worship alone.
  • Estate agents are allowed to stay open and people can do house viewings and move house.
  • You can go to dumps and recycling centres.
  • Medical appointments and all forms of care for vulnerable people will continue.
  • Close family members and friends can visit deathbeds
  • You can not attend protests

Schools

  • Schools and universities can remain open.
  • The majority of universities have to do remote learning.
  • schoolchildren need to wear masks in corridors
  • Secondary school pupils have to wear masks in corridors and communal areas.
  • Masks will not be used in classrooms for either teachers or pupils.
  • Secondary pupils also must wear masks when they travel on school transport.

Jobs

  • People who cannot do their jobs at home can continue to work
  • Workplaces can remain open under Covid-secure guidelines if necessary.
  • This means industries such as construction and manufacturing are allowed to continue operating.
  • People who can work from home are advised to do so during the four-week lockdown.

There are exemptions for childcare

  • Early years settings can remain open and some youth support can continue.
  • Children whose parents are separated can still travel between households.
  • Children under 13 can be cared for informally by friends or relatives.

Holidays

  • Holidays are banned and you should not travel out of your area
  • Holidays abroad are banned and you cannot go on holiday in England, including to a second home.
  • Overnight stays are banned except for work or education purposes.

Most gatherings are banned

  • Indoor household meet-ups are banned.
  • You cannot meet up with a friend in your garden.
  • 15 people are allowed in public places, such as for victims of crime, new parents, LGBT support groups and those who are grieving.
  • Women in labour can have their partner or a close friend with them, as can people staying in hospital, a hospice or a care home.

Shielding is back

  • For 2.2million people who are “extremely clinically vulnerable” (with reduced immune systems, specific cancers or severe respiratory conditions), shielding is back in place.
  • People with chronic kidney disease (stage 5) and those undergoing dialysis, as well as adults with Down’s syndrome, are being added to the shielding patient list.
  • The “clinically vulnerable” – a moderate risk group do not have to stay at home all the time.

Pubs and restaurants

  • Restaurants can run a takeaway service
  • Pubs and restaurants have been forced to shut.
  • They can continue to sell takeaway food and drinks for consumption elsewhere until 10pm.

Leisure facilities must close

  • Gyms, leisure centres and other sports facilities will close.
  • Outdoor sports and leisure facilities will also close.
  • Professional athletes will be allowed to continue to train and compete.
  • Grassroots sport is banned, including children’s sport.

Funerals can continue take place

  • Funerals can take place with up to 30 mourners.
  • Wakes or gatherings after the ceremony can take place but with only 15 guests.
  • Weddings are banned except in “exceptional circumstances” .

Care homes

  • You can visit care homes under certain conditions
  • People can visit their loved ones in care homes but only through windows, behind screens or outdoors.
  • Care home residents can meet one other person outside as long as their loved one does not enter the main building.

Rule-breakers face massive fines

  • You can be fined up to £6,400.
  • Fines start at £100 if paid within 14 days, otherwise it’s £200. Penalties double for each offence.
  • Businesses can be fined £10,00, starting at £1,000.

Businesses that can stay open

  • Food shops, newsagents and off-licences
  • Pharmacies
  • Hardware stores and building merchants
  • Petrol stations and garages
  • Bike shops
  • Taxi and vehicle hire services
  • Banks, building societies, credit unions, currency exchanges
  • Post offices
  • Funeral directors
  • Laundrettes and dry cleaners
  • Health services such as dentists, opticians, osteopaths and mental health services
  • Vets and pet shops
  • Agriculture supplies shops
  • Storage facilities
  • Car parks
  • Public toilets
  • Garden centres
Written by Harry John

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