Are dentists open and can I go fishing? Lockdown 3 restrictions explained


Soraya Ebrahimi
  • English
  • Arabic

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.

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
In numbers

1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:

  • 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
  • 150 tonnes to landfill
  • 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal

800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal

Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year

25 staff on site

 

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Price: from Dh94,900

On sale: now

Sugary teas and iced coffees

The tax authority is yet to release a list of the taxed products, but it appears likely that sugary iced teas and cold coffees will be hit.

For instance, the non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.

Cold coffee brands are likely to be hit too. Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
THE BIO

Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old

Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai

Favourite Book: The Alchemist

Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail

Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna

Favourite cuisine: Italian food

Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman

 

 

Company name: Play:Date

Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day

Founder: Shamim Kassibawi

Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US

Sector: Tech 

Size: 20 employees

Stage of funding: Seed

Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund

 

Company: Instabug

Founded: 2013

Based: Egypt, Cairo

Sector: IT

Employees: 100

Stage: Series A

Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors

Engine: 80 kWh four-wheel-drive

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 402bhp

Torque: 760Nm

Price: From Dh280,000

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

While you're here
SHOW COURTS ORDER OF PLAY

Wimbledon order of play on Saturday, July 8
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Centre Court (4pm)
Agnieszka Radwanska (9) v Timea Bacsinszky (19)
Ernests Gulbis v Novak Djokovic (2)
Mischa Zverev (27) v Roger Federer (3)

Court 1 (4pm)
Milos Raonic (6) v Albert Ramos-Vinolas (25)
Anett Kontaveit v Caroline Wozniacki (5)
Dominic Thiem (8) v Jared Donaldson

Court 2 (2.30pm)
Sorana Cirstea v Garbine Muguruza (14)
To finish: Sam Querrey (24) leads Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (12) 6-2, 3-6, 7-6, 1-6, 6-5
Angelique Kerber (1) v Shelby Rogers
Sebastian Ofner v Alexander Zverev (10)

Court 3 (2.30pm)
Grigor Dimitrov (13) v Dudi Sela
Alison Riske v Coco Vandeweghe (24)
David Ferrer v Tomas Berdych (11)

Court 12 (2.30pm)
Polona Hercog v Svetlana Kuznetsova (7)
Gael Monfils (15) v Adrian Mannarino

Court 18 (2.30pm)
Magdalena Rybarikova v Lesia Tsurenko
Petra Martic v Zarina Diyas

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 258hp from 5,000-6,500rpm

Torque: 400Nm from 1,550-4,000rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.1L/100km

Price: from Dh362,500

On sale: now

'The Ice Road'

Director: Jonathan Hensleigh
Stars: Liam Neeson, Amber Midthunder, Laurence Fishburne

2/5

The specs

Engine: 0.8-litre four cylinder

Power: 70bhp

Torque: 66Nm

Transmission: four-speed manual

Price: $1,075 new in 1967, now valued at $40,000

On sale: Models from 1966 to 1970

Three trading apps to try

Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:

  • For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
  • If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
  • Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
UAE squad to face Ireland

Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri (vice-captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Zawar Farid, CP Rizwaan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Kashif Daud, Adithya Shetty, Vriitya Aravind