Where, why & how long?
Q
Will it really last just a month? What’s the reopening criteria?
A
That depends on whether infections start to fall, says Prof Majeed. “The lockdown could last longer than a month if the number of new cases occurring each day does not fall to a more manageable number,” he says.
Dr Tildesley says: “It’s not sufficient just to bring the R number down, we need to bring it below 1.
“But it will take two weeks or more before we start to see evidence the lockdown is working. I fear if it keeps being extended then people will stop complying.”
Q
I rearranged my wedding for November. Can it go ahead?
A
Weddings are not permitted other than in “exceptional circumstances”, which the Government has not yet defined. The vast majority cannot go ahead during the lockdown period.
Q
The PM said you can meet with one person from another household. Is that just on a walk, or can they come to your garden?
A
Prof Majeed says: “You can’t meet a person from another household in your garden, only in settings such as a public park.”
Q
We’ve booked an Airbnb in this country. Are we still allowed to go if we don’t meet anyone else?
A
Overnight stays elsewhere are only allowed for a few reasons such as work, education or healthcare. You can’t travel to another part of the country for a holiday. “Both you, and the person renting their property to you, would be breaking the law,” says Dr Tildesley.
Q
I’m booked to move house next week. Can it go ahead?
A
Dr Tildesley says that, while the housing market will stay open, estate agents won’t. “Moving house is theoretically possible, but it’s unclear how that might happen, or if estate agents will be able to operate virtually during lockdown.”
Q
Why aren’t the vulnerable being told to shield?
A
“The decision to not reintroduce shielding appears to be due to mental health concerns,” says Dr Tildesley. “But vulnerable people should take extra precautions to minimise their own risk.”
Q
Will rapid tests really help control the virus?
A
Rapid Covid testing could be effective, but only if we have enough capacity, says Dr Tildesley. “It would allow us to get back a bit of normality, rather than this yo-yo effect of lockdowns. But you’d need to test people every few days.
That’s millions of tests every day.”
Q
Is there really time in a month to sort out the Test and Trace system? What will happen if not?
A
Prof Majeed says the Government must fix it. “We’ve spent a huge amount on it – around £12billion – but we’re not getting good value for money,” he says.
Dr Tildesley thinks if we can cut infections in the next month it will allow Test and Trace to continue improving after lockdown ends.
Q
Why are we going into lockdown again when average death rates remain at a normal level and Covid deaths are much lower than the first time around?
A
Dr Tildesley says: “We only have to look at how Liverpool is always pushing ICU capacity, to see where the country is headed.
“With hospitalisations rising, we’ll start to see the NHS being overwhelmed again in a few weeks’ time. With disease control you need to act early, you can’t wait.”
Q
In terms of infections and deaths, how do we compare now to other European countries?
A
Slightly better than the first time around, says Prof Majeed. “Currently, in terms of number of infections, the UK is third in Europe behind France and Spain.”
Q
What are other European countries doing?
A
Prof Majeed says: “Some countries are stricter than England. In France, people can leave their home only to buy essential goods, get medical help or exercise for one hour a day. Anyone found outside their home has to carry a written statement justifying their journey.”
Q
The rules say travel within the UK is allowed for work. Can hotels accept business travellers?
A
Hotels are allowed to stay open for business travellers – but
For disease control you need to act early, you can’t wait
DR MIKE TILDESLEY ON WHY ACTION IS VITAL NOW
many may decide it is not viable to open for a small number of travellers.
Q
How realistic is hope of a vaccine, and will it get life back to normal?
A
Dr Tildesley says: “It’s uncertain. It might be that a vaccine will not stop you being infected but will stop you passing it on, or it might just stop you having quite as strong symptoms.”
Q
Can I still go to church on a Sunday?
A
Places of worship will only open for certain things such as funerals.
Q
How many people will be allowed at funerals?
A
Funerals can have 30 people, preferably close friends and family.
Q
The PM said there will be no limit to outdoor exercising. Can we still drive somewhere else to take a walk?
A
As long as you are home by the end of the day. You can travel for exercise but cannot stay overnight.
Q
What about my children’s after school activities?
A
After school activities are likely to stop other than for activities such as wrap around care needed to allow parents to continue to work.
Q
My driving test is booked for November. Will it still go ahead? Can I still have my driving lessons?
A
Prof Majeed says: “The Government has not yet given the full list of businesses that must close, but driving lessons may be on it. Driving tests are also likely to be cancelled.
Q
I’m a Pilates teacher. Can I give my Pilates class in a park?
A
No, unless it’s you and one person from outside your household.
Q
I have a cleaner once a week. Can they still come?
A
The rules are unclear. “You can have workmen in your house, but cleaners probably won’t count as essential services,” says Prof Tildesley.
Q
My baby is due next month. Will my partner be allowed with me?
A
Individual hospitals have different rules, says Dr Tildesley. “Best to speak to the prenatal health team to find out what yours will permit.”
Q
A friend has my two-year-old while I work. Is that still allowed?
A
Yes. Parents are can form a childcare bubble with another household for informal childcare, where the child is 13 or under.
Q
If most infections are among the young, won’t keeping secondary schools and universities open mean rates won’t drop in spite of this?
A
Prof Majeed says: “Keeping schools and universities open will mean it may take longer for measures to work. This has to be balanced against the threats to children’s educational development.”
Q
Can I still go abroad for work? And what about foreign holidays?
A
Travelling overseas for work is permitted. Holiday travel is not.
Q
Will Tier 3 areas that negotiated financial packages now get more money than elsewhere?
A
The package now is better than Tier 3 areas were offered. But Dr Tildesley says: “Everywhere is now under the same rules, but it’s unclear what will happen in areas already given money under a previously negotiated deal.”
Q
When lockdown ends, will places return to the tiers they are now?
A
Hopefully not. “The point is to reduce incidence everywhere. The hope is to minimise restrictions everywhere, but that will depend on infections levels in different areas at that time.”
Q
I’m out of the country until after lockdown starts. Can I get back?
A
People can return to the UK and travel home. Depending on which country they travel from, they may have to enter a period of quarantine.
Q
What about visitors coming to the UK? Will they be allowed, and what checks will be made?
A
“People can travel for essential purposes such as work. We are awaiting guidance on any extra checks planned,” says Prof Majeed.
Q
The PM said Christmas will be “very different”. In what way?
A
Prof Majeed says: “Social distancing and infection control will stay in place for some time, probably well into 2021, even after lockdown. Activities like large gatherings and office parties are unlikely.”
Dr Tildesley says: “It’s my hope we’ll be able to relax the rule of six. That depends on how well people comply.”