The lockdown rules you may have missed
ENGLAND has been put into lockdown again and it comes with a whole host of tougher rules everyone has to stick to. Everyone in England is being told to stay at home and to only go out for essential journeys.
People are only allowed to leave their homes for certain reasons - including medical appointments and exercise - and have been told to work from home if they can.
Schools and universities have also been forced to switch to remote learning.
But there are plenty of other rules that the Prime Minister has announced that explains finer details, such as whether garden centres and hairdressers are open, if you can still go to Church, and whether you can move house.
Here are some of the rules announced by Boris Johnson you may have missed.
Are garden centres open in lockdown?
Unlike the first lockdown, garden centres are allowed to remain open throughout these new set of restrictions.
The businesses have been classed as ‘essential’ and are set to keep their doors open alongside food shops, supermarkets and pharmacies. Public gardens - including parks - will still be open but indoor and outdoor attractions at venues such as botanical gardens and zoos must close.
Are hairdressers open?
Barbers and hairdressers must close. The businesses had already been ordered to shut in Tier 4 areas and now must remain closed for the next few weeks.
The government says: “Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons [must close]. “Tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services must also close. These services should not be provided in other people’s homes.”
Can I buy takeaway pints?
No - pubs and restaurants have been ordered to fully close and are not allowed to continue to serve takeaway pints; the same rules implemented for those already in Tier 4.
How long will new lockdown last?
The new rules are expected to remain in place until at least mid-February. Mr Johnson said: “By the middle of February, if things go well and with a fair wind in our sails, we expect to have offered the first vaccine dose to everyone in the four top priority groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
“That means vaccinating all residents in a care home for older adults and d their th i carers, everyone over th the age of 70, all frontline health and social care workers, and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable.
“If we succeed in vaccinating all those groups, we will have removed huge numbers of people from the path of the virus.
“And of course, that will eventually enable us to lift many of the restrictions we have endured for so long.”
Are golf courses open
in lockdown?
All outdoor sports have also been banned for the next few weeks, the Prime Minister said.
Outdoor sports venues, including tennis courts, golf courses and swimming pools must shut, the government announced.
Can I move house?
Yes - house moves are still allowed to take place. One of the criteria where you are allowed to meet others from outside your household or bubble is to facilitate a house move.
Estate agents, valuers and removals firms can keep operating so viewings are also allowed to take place, although with Covid-19 safety restrictions in place.
It does advise for viewings to only take place when buyers are seriously considering buying a property, and should be arranged by appointment.
Are places of worship open?
Yes - places of worship have been allowed to stay open during the new lockdown and you are allowed to leave your home to visit them.
The new rules specifically state that: “You can leave home to attend or visit a place of worship for communal worship, a funeral or event related to a death, a burial ground or a remembrance garden, or to attend a wedding ceremony.
“You should follow the guidance on the safe use of places of worship and must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble when attending a place of worship.”
Is the Premier League still
on in lockdown?
Elite sports have been allowed to continue under the new restrictions - unlike when Boris Johnson announced the first lockdown back in March 2020. The Premier League and English Football League will carry on despite ongoing discussions over a potential circuit breaker with a large rise in Covid-19 cases amongst clubs.
The rules say that: “Elite sports people (and their coaches if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) - or those on an official elite sports pathway - are allowed to leave their house to compete and train.”