Boris Johnson ordered England into its third lockdown of the year on Tuesday, telling people to stay at home at all times other than for the following six reasons:
- to shop for basic necessities for themselves or a vulnerable person
- to go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if they cannot reasonably do so from home
- to exercise within their household (or support bubble) or with one other person - limited to once a day, and within their local area
to meet their support or childcare bubble where necessary but only if legally permitted to form one
- to seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm, including domestic abuse
- to attend education or childcare for those eligible
Even when leaving home for a permitted reason, people should always stay in the village, town, or part of the city to which they belong.
They may leave their local area only for a legally permitted reason, such as for work.
Clinically extremely vulnerable people can only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. They are not allowed to attend work.
When will schools reopen for everyone and are nurseries still open?
Universities and schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.
All other children will learn remotely until February half-term at the earliest. Early years childcare services remain open.
Higher education provision will stay online until mid-February, for all except future critical worker courses.
Can I meet one person outside in lockdown 3?
People in England will be able to meet outside with just one person from another household or support bubble for exercise.
Leaving home to meet in a social setting with anyone other than members of the same household or a person in a support bubble is not allowed.
People should stay two metres apart except when in the company of their own household.
Can I get a takeaway in lockdown 3?
Restaurants can continue to sell food for delivery, collection or takeaway but cannot sell alcohol.
Will Premier League football and other elite sports continue in lockdown 3?
Elite sports such as the Premier League will be able to continue but with the same restrictions. This decision has been made in the face of a doubling in weekly Covid-19 infections in the Premier league which has seen the likes of Manchester City players Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker test positive.
Can I go to church and get married in lockdown 3?
Communal worship can continue with adherence to social distancing.
Wedding ceremonies will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances which include terminal illnesses, debilitating treatments or life-changing surgery. Where this applies, up to six people are allowed to attend the wedding, not including the staff.
Are driving tests and lessons allowed in lockdown 3?
All driving tests and lessons are banned during the third lockdown. Previously booked lessons and tests must be suspended.
Are opticians and dentists open in lockdown 3?
Opticians and dentists are allowed to remain open but the former under new strictures.
Opticians can provide urgent or emergency eyecare and essential contact lens check-ups.
Professional eyecare in people's homes can also be provided so long as protocol is followed. All other services must be provided remotely.
Dentists have fewer constraints and can see people for both urgent and non-urgent appointments.
Can tradespeople enter homes in lockdown 3?
Tradespeople can still visit people’s homes as they cannot effectively work from home.
The government guidance applies to those "working in, visiting or delivering to home environments" and includes "repairers, fitters, meter readers, plumbers, cleaners, cooks, childcare workers and surveyors (this is not an exhaustive list).”
Are estate agents open in lockdown 3 and can I still move home?
As with tradespeople, estate agents can also remain open during lockdown 3 as they cannot effectively carry out their jobs from home.
Rules regarding social distancing and wearing face coverings must be followed, however. The government also advises that initial viewings are done virtually, where possible.
Those attending a viewing are urged to avoid touching surfaces and to wash and sanitise their hands regularly.
Removal firms can also continue to operate, although "those outside your household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary”, the government website states.
Can I go fishing in lockdown 3?
Fishing will not be permitted during the new lockdown and fisheries and clubs must close their waters to anglers.
The Angling Trust called the decision "disappointing" but asked its members to respect the rules "to help save lives and support the NHS".
The trust also said it would be "publishing more detailed guidance on specific areas like bailiffing and fishery maintenance" once it had thoroughly examined the new regulations.
