Travel rules set out in guidance for lockdown 2

We are once again being told to “stay at home” – but what does it mean if you need to make a journey?

The rules which come in from Thursday and run until December 2, state we should not leave or be outside our house except for specific reasons.

These include for childcare or education when lessons are not online, for employment, to exercise outdoors or visit somewhere outside – with rules guiding who we can be with – or for medical appointments and emergencies, including domestic abuse.

We will also be able to shop for basic necessities, while we’ll also still be allowed to visit those in our support bubble and provide care for those who are vulnerable or as a volunteer.

What does the Government class as essential travel?

The rules state: “You should avoid all non-essential travel by private or public transport” but here is more about what that means.

Guidance says essential travel includes, but is not limited to: *essential shopping *travelling to work where your workplace is open or you cannot work from home, also covering jobs involving going inside someone else’s home

*education and for caring responsibilities

*medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health.

It adds people should walk or cycle where possible and to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

Anyone in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing they should continue to travel to work, as should public sector employees in essential services.