What Lockdown 3 will mean for you
Hairdressers shut and exams axed, but you can let in the cleaner... and go to church
Why is England going into lockdown again?
Cases caused by the new, more infectious variant of Covid-19 are surging rapidly in every part of the country. In the past week they have gone up by 30 per cent, and the number is 0 per cent higher than the peak of the first wave in April. Medical experts have warned the NHS could be overwhelmed in 21 days unless action is taken.
How long will it last?
Until mid-February. It will then be subject to a review.
Can I see family and friends?
The mixing of households indoors is not allowed outside of support bubbles. You can meet one other person outside your household for outdoor exercise.
If I am in a bubble with someone, can I still see them?
The support bubble system – where a person living alone can pair with another household – can continue. Childcare support bubbles are also still allowed.
Are schools closing?
Yes. All primary, secondary schools and colleges have to close and switch to online learning, except for the children of key workers and the most vulnerable. Universities must also stay closed. Early years providers, such as nurseries, and special schools can stay open.
Will GCSEs and A-levels be cancelled?
Boris Johnson said it would not be possible, or fair, for all exams to go ahead as normal this summer. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will work to put alternative arrangements in place.
Will churches and other places of worship stay open?
Yes, they are allowed to open for individual prayer and communal worship.
Can I go on holiday in the UK or abroad?
No. Only essential travel is allowed.
Will playgrounds stay open? Unlike the first lockdown, yes. Can I move home?
Yes, you can still view houses and move home.
Can I let my cleaner or plumber into my house?
Yes, essential visits by tradesmen can continue.
Can I still exercise?
You can exercise outdoors with your household, your support bubble or alone with one other person from another household. Exercise should be limited to once a day and should be local, meaning you should not drive to a beauty spot.
Can I play golf or tennis?
No. Courses and courts must shut. Is professional sport affected? No. Elite sports that are Covid-secure and have bubble systems can continue.
Will there be extra financial support?
The furlough scheme will remain in place until April.
Can I leave my house to get a Covid vaccine?
Yes, you can leave your home for all medical appointments. Will garden centres be open? Yes.
Are restaurants open?
Not for eating inside, but cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can serve takeaway food and non-alcoholic drinks until 11pm.
Will non-essential retailers such as clothes shops be open?
No. But click-and-collect services will be permitted to continue. What about hairdressers and beauty salons?
No, they are among the non-essential shops that must close.
Can I go to work?
Only if you ‘absolutely cannot’ work from home. This means the construction industry can continue and key workers can continue to go to work.
Can I get married?
Only in exceptional circumstances, for example in cases where people are dying or have debilitating conditions.
I had to ‘shield’ last time – will I have to do this again?
Yes. Those who are clinically vulnerable and who were previously told to shield should stay at home and leave only for medical appointments or exercise. They will receive a letter shortly informing them about this.
Can I travel to my second home?
Travel is allowed only for essential work, shopping for necessities, exercise, caring for the vulnerable and medical reasons.