Lockdown in England started today
Due to the new variant of coronavirus risking pressure on the NHS, prime minister Boris Johnson has announced a lockdown for England. The announcement was made in a televised address last night.
Returning to a similar situation as March last year, everyone must stay at home.
Leaving home will only be permitted for limited reasons such as work, where it is unreasonable for work to be done from home, shopping for essential items, exercise, receiving medical treatment etc. See the full list on the Government website.
Fines of £200 will be given to anyone leaving home without a reasonable excuse.
The following businesses will be legally required to close:
See the full list and limited exceptions.
Schools are required to close, which may present challenges for working parents. The furlough scheme remains open until the end of April. Employers may want to consider putting employees on furlough leave or offering flexible working hours during this difficult time.
A projected end date for this lockdown has not been given, however the prime minister has hope to re-open schools after the February half term if all four priority groups (residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, those over the age of 70, frontline health and social care workers, and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable) have been vaccinated.
What about the rest of the UK?
Scotland – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a January lockdown yesterday which includes the stay-at-home message with schools closed.
Wales – Wales is currently under alert level 4 meaning that people should stay-at-home, only leaving home for limited reasons. Schools in Wales are currently closed until 18th January.
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