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