The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tonight (Monday 4th January) announced that a new national lockdown will be in place from midnight.
The announcement came as the alert level was raised to Level 5, amid fears the NHS could become overwhelmed within 21 days if COVID-19 infections continue to rise unchecked.
Stay at Home
The lockdown will mean people across the country are once again asked to ‘Stay at Home’ except for limited reasons, such as shopping for essentials, work if unable to work from home, to get a COVID-19 test, to care, to volunteer.
Schools
All primary schools, secondary and colleges are to switch to remote learning until at least February half term, providing on site education only to the most vulnerable children and children of key workers. Early years settings – such as nurseries – can remain open.
Leaving the house
You may only meet with people in your support bubble to give support, eg childcare or social care. You may leave your home to exercise locally once a day – either alone, with members of your household / bubble or with one other person if on your own – but you must not leave your home for recreation or leisure reasons.
Shielding
Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals across England are being asked to shield once again.