England placed back under lockdown

A new national lockdown comes into force on Tuesday following a rapid rise in coronavirus infections, hospital admissions and case rates across the country, with England’s hospitals now under more pressure than they have been at any other point throughout the pandemic.

This drastic jump in cases has been attributed to the new variant of Covid-19, which scientists have confirmed is between 50 and 70 per cent more transmissible.

Prime minister Boris Johnson announced the new lockdown in a televised address.

“I want to say to everyone right across the United Kingdom that I know how tough this is, I know how frustrated you are, I know that you have had more than enough of government guidance about defeating this virus,” he said.

“But now more than ever, we must pull together.”

From Tuesday, people will only be allowed to leave their homes for the following reasons:

• shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person.
• go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home.
• exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
• meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one.
• seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse).
• attend education or childcare – for those eligible.

All primary schools, secondary schools and colleges will move to remote learning, except for the children of key workers and vulnerable children.

Early years settings such as nurseries, alternative provision and special schools will remain open and vulnerable children and children of critical workers can continue to use registered childcare, childminders and other childcare activities.

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Read more: A day of confusion over whether primary schools in Bristol should reopen

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The government is also advising the clinically extremely vulnerable to begin shielding again, while all non-essential retail, hospitality and personal care services must close, or remain closed.

Restaurants can continue delivery, takeaway or click-and-collect of food and non-alcoholic drinks, but venues will no longer be able to serve takeaway or click-and-collect alcohol.

Essential shops and garden centres can remain open. Entertainment venues and animal attractions such as zoos must close, but the outdoor areas of venues such as heritage homes and botanical gardens can remain open, to be used for exercise. Playgrounds may also remain open.

Places of worship can also remain open, but you may only visit with your household.

Indoor and outdoor sports facilities including sports courts, gyms, golf courses, swimming pools, and riding arenas must also close. Elite sport and disabled sport can continue, as can PE lessons for those children attending school.

The restrictions will come into effect on Tuesday, and are expected to last until the middle of February if the situation in hospitals improve.

Looking towards Hotwells and across to south Bristol during the first lockdown – photo: Joab Smith

Bristol mayor Mayor Rees said: “I know how hard the past months have been on everyone’s lives, relationships, work and mental health, and I thank everyone for their efforts so far.

“I appeal to you all once again to continue to show kindness and love. Look out for neighbours, friends, family and those most vulnerable or at risk of domestic abuse.

“We must all follow the guidance that is in place to keep us safe so we can return to normal sooner. Please do the most you can do, stay at home and save lives.”

Bristol’s director for public health, Christina Gray, added: “Unfortunately, the combination of the new Covid-19 variant and the winter pressure on health and care systems have meant additional measures are needed.

“It is welcome news that the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine has been approved, but we must continue to take care, the virus is still very much in circulation.”

Main photo: Simon Holliday

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