Coronavirus: what you need to know about the second lockdown

People must stay at home unless for specific reasons, such as attending school or college, or going to the supermarket.

Here’s everything you need to know about what the new lockdown means for all of us:

When do the new rules come into force?

The new national lockdown will run from November 5 until December 2.

The lockdown will then be eased on a regional basis according to the latest coronavirus case data at that time.

Read more: LIVE: Updates and reaction from Dorset as England faces second lockdown

Can I leave my home?

Yes, but only for specific reasons such as education, if it is not provided online and work, if you cannot work from home (including if your job involves working in other people’s homes) as well as for exercise, which you can take as many times a day as you wish.

People can also leave for recreational purposes with their own household, or on their own with one person from another household (a “one plus one” rule).

Examples of recreation include meeting up with a friend in the park for a walk or to sit on a bench and eat a sandwich. People will not be allowed to meet in homes and gardens, and golf clubs will remain shut.

People can also leave home to shop for food and essentials, and to provide care for vulnerable people or as a volunteer.

Attending medical appointments is also allowed or to escape injury or harm (such as for people suffering domestic abuse).

What will close?

Non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues will all be closed.

Non-essential retail includes clothing and electronics stores, car showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops.

Leisure includes bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks.

Read more: BH Live to close all leisure centres from Thursday due to coronavirus lockdown

What else stays open?

The NHS and medical services such as GPs, along with Jobcentre Plus sites and courts.

What have our MPs said?

Poole MP Sir Robert Syms told the Echo he would vote against the new lockdown but thought it would be passed anyway.

He said: “I don’t think it is a satisfactory situation, I think it is the wrong decision but it looks like we will have to go through it.”

Read more: "I think it is the wrong decision": Poole MP against second lockdown

MP for Bournemouth East, Tobias Ellwood, supported the measures, stating the scale of the second wave was "deadly", but would have preferred to have seen a tier four.

Mr Ellwood said: "It is clear from the data we are heading towards a bigger spike, therefore it does make sense."

Sir Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, could rebel against the government when the Commons votes on the second shutdown on Wednesday.

Speaking on the BBC he said: "I'm in despair - I think it's a disaster."

What’s the current situation in Dorset?

The whole of Dorset has been in the ‘medium’ Tier 1 category of coronavirus restrictions since the Tier system was introduced.

This means residents had to follow the ‘Rule of Six’ and a 10pm curfew has been in force for pubs, bars and restaurants.

However, the latest update from Public Health Dorset on Thursday said the county was in a “serious” situation with 774 new cases confirmed in the BCP Council area between October 18 and 24 and 414 new cases in the Dorset Council area during the same period.

Read more: BCP area coronavirus weekly case rate rises from 121.5 to 195.6

In terms of case rates, the BCP area’s figure was 195.6 which was above the south west average of 127.9. Dorset’s figure was 127.9. Both council areas were below the England average of 225.9.

Read more: Second lockdown is 'devastating' blow for Dorset businesses

What if I shielded last time?

People over 60 and those who are clinically vulnerable are being told to be especially careful to follow the rules and minimise their contact with others.

Anyone who was formally notified that they should shield last time and not go out to work will be advised not to go out to work this time.

However, formal shielding as happened during the March and April lockdown – where people were told not to leave home for any reason – will not be brought in.

People classed as clinically extremely vulnerable are being advised to work from home. If that is not possible people may be eligible for may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay or Employment Support Allowance.

More guidance will be published today.

Should my children go to school or to the childminder? Can they go to a playground?

Yes, schools, colleges and universities will all remain open. Students should not return home during term time, but can return home for the Christmas holiday.

Childminders and nurseries will stay open and childcare bubbles, where for example a grandparent provides childcare while a parent works, will be able to continue.

Health minister Nadine Dorries has said children under school age who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside.

After-school clubs and sports clubs will be suspended until December 2.

Playgrounds and parks will remain open.

Read more: LISTED: The schools with confirmed Covid cases and pupils in self-isolation

Can I go on holiday, have an overnight stay or go to my second home?

No, you are advised not to travel unless for essential reasons.

People can travel for work and there are exemptions for overnights and second homes for work purposes.

Those who are already on holiday will be able to return to the UK.

Is there a furlough scheme?

Yes, furlough will be payable at 80% up to a maximum of £2,500 for the duration of the package of tougher national measures. The support will be available across the UK.

Business premises forced to close in England will also receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under a Local Restrictions Support Grant.

A further £1.1 billion will be given to local authorities – distributed on the basis of £20 per head – for one-off payments to support businesses.

Is there support for mortgages?

Yes. Homeowners will be able to take the option of mortgage payment holidays, which had been due to end on Saturday but have been extended.

Can I move house?

Yes. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick tweeted to say members of the public will still be able to move.

“Removal firms and estate agents can operate, construction sites can and should continue, tradespeople will be able to enter homes. But all must follow the Covid safety guidance,” he added.

Can I go to church?

Churches will remain open for private prayer.

Will Premier League football matches continue?

Yes. Boris Johnson said games would continue despite the restrictions.

What if I live in an area with lower cases?

You must still observe the rules as they apply across England. Professor Chris Whitty said that many of the areas with lower case numbers have the highest rates of increase.

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