From work to gym to going to the salon, what you can and can’t do in a second lockdown

This month’s lockdown will not be the same as spring’s. Schools will stay open, and we can still meet one person from another household outside. 

More people will carry on travelling in to work, and the elderly will not be ordered to ‘shield’ indoors. 

Here’s a handy guide to what the new rules mean for you and your loved ones…

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

• All home visits – including in gardens – are banned unless you are part of a support bubble. The ban includes partners who live elsewhere.
• Unlike in the first lockdown, you CAN meet a friend, relative or partner from another household outdoors, to exercise or sit in a park.
• Children under school age will not count towards this two-person total, health minister Nadine Dorries tweeted last night. This means, for example, that two new mothers could bring their babies for a chat in the park. Adults who require round-the-clock care will also not be counted in the total.
• Playgrounds will remain open – unlike last time – meaning children can still play on the swings.
• Children of separated parents may continue to move between both homes.

NURSERIES, SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE

• Educational institutions, from nurseries and schools to colleges and universities, will remain open.
• Childminders can carry on working. ‘Childcare bubbles’ will also still be valid – meaning grandparents can care for children after school.
• After-school clubs and youth groups will stop for the next month.
• Universities have been asked to shift more lectures online where possible.
• Students cannot return home to see family until the end of term.

GOING TO WORK

• Everybody who can work from home should do so.
• If you cannot do your job from home then you can continue to travel in. Examples include those in construction or manufacturing.
• Those whose work involves going into others’ homes – such as plumbers and cleaners – may continue to do so.
• Those deemed ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ – such as cancer patients – should work from home or claim Statutory Sick Pay.
• Workers currently on furlough will continue to be paid 80 per cent of their wages through November, up to a maximum of £2,500.

VULNERABLE PEOPLE AND CARE HOMES

• The elderly and those who are clinically vulnerable are not being asked to shield this time – unlike during the first lockdown.
• They will, however, be advised to be follow the rules carefully and minimise social contact.
• Older people should not refrain from exercise. They are encouraged to get some fresh air or walk the dog.
• New guidance on care home visits is expected later this week. Current restrictions are in place until then.
• If you need to care for a vulnerable person, such as a family member or neighbour, you are allowed to do so.

TRAVEL

• Travelling outside your local area should be avoided, and the number of trips taken should be reduced.
• Going to medical appointments and the shops is still allowed.
• You can even travel for exercise, as long as it is a short journey.
• If you must take public transport, avoid busy times and routes. Always wear a mask and maintain social distancing where possible.
• Going on holiday is banned. Overseas travel is allowed for work or essential trips only.
• Travelling to holiday homes is also outlawed. Hotel stays are only allowed for work reasons.
• If you are already on holiday, you do not have to travel home straight away. Those in countries with ‘travel corridors’ won’t need to self-isolate upon their return.

SHOPS AND LEISURE

• Supermarkets, food shops and pharmacists will remain open – meaning there is no need to head out and panic-buy.
• Non-essential retail outlets, from car showrooms to clothing shops, will remain closed until the lockdown is over.
• Those offering click-and-collect options can continue to operate – meaning that, unlike last time, you will be able to order some items online and pick them up in person.
• Restaurants, cafes and pubs will all shut their doors to sit-in customers – but can carry on providing a takeaway service.
• Alcohol cannot be served, however, meaning no repeat of the summer’s ‘takeaway pint’ phenomenon seen at many pubs.
• Garden centres will be allowed to remain open.
• Leisure facilities – such as gyms, swimming pools and soft play facilities – will be shut.
• Golf courses and riding centres will close too, despite the activities largely taking place outdoors.
• Hairdressers and beauty salons will be shut again, as will massage parlours and tanning salons.
• Cinemas, theatres and bingo halls will also be forced to close their doors, along with zoos and botanical gardens.

PUBLIC SERVICES

• GP surgeries and many hospitals will stay open for both urgent and non-urgent appointments.
• Jobcentres will also continue to help people find work.
• Courts and register offices will continue to operate, with a view to preventing more backlogs.
• Food banks and blood donation services will continue to operate, too.
• Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or bereavement services, will have a limit of 15 people per session.

WEDDINGS, FUNERALS AND WORSHIP

• Places of worship will be closed unless it is for a funeral, individual prayer, broadcasted acts of worship, formal childcare, blood donation, food banks or support groups.
• Churches, mosques and synagogues can open their doors for individual worship but communal services are banned.
• As is currently the case, funerals may be attended by a maximum of 30 people.
• Weddings and civil partnerships will not be allowed to go ahead unless there are exceptional circumstances.