Lockdown 3.0 will leave many people feeling a sense of deja vu as many of the restrictions that people woke up to this week were first put in place for Lockdown 1 back in March last year.
At that stage Prime Minister Boris Johnson said we would have Covid 19 beaten by June, but another seven months down the line we seem further from normality than ever with Lockdown 3.0.
According to the government website during Lockdown 3.0 people must stay at home to “protect the NHS and save lives”, which was very much his message in March.
Here the team at Adrian Flux answer some of your biggest questions and concerns about Lockdown 3.0.
When can I go outside in Lockdown 3.0?
People will only be able to leave or be outside of their homes for exceptional reasons:
- To shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
- To go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
- To exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person. However, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area
- To meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are 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
Will schools be open?
Unlike during Lockdown 2.0, colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers during Lockdown 3.0. All other children will learn remotely until at least February half term. Early Years providers can remain open.
Higher Education provision will be delivered online until mid February for all except future critical worker courses.
How far can I travel for shopping in Lockdown 3.0?
The government has stipulated that if you do leave home for essential shopping or another permitted reason during Lockdown 3.0, you should always stay local in the village, town, or part of the city where you live.
You may leave your local area for a legally permitted reason, such as for work.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should shelter and only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential.
What about driving in Lockdown 3.0?
There will be specific restrictions for motorists and would-be motorists during Lockdown 3.0.
Motorists have been told not to make any non essential journeys and to remain within the village, town, or part of the city in which they live.
Tests, both theory and practical, have been cancelled once again and this time around learners will be prohibited from taking lessons with parents of other relatives or friends within their domestic bubble.
Garages however will likely remain open. As in previous lockdowns, they have been defined as offering an essential service.
How and where can I relax in Lockdown 3.0
Lockdown 3.0 will see the closure of much of the hospitality industry, including cinemas, theatres, concerts, hotels, pubs, restaurants and takeaways, though food deliveries will be permitted. Essential shops, such as supermarkets will remain open.
Can I still move home during Lockdown 3.0?
People in England will still be able to move home during Lockdown 3.0 and removal firms, tradespeople and estate agents can still operate by going inside people’s homes, subject to social distancing measures.
What about visiting friends and family?
Lockdown 3.0 stipulates there should be no mixing of people from different households, except when childcare and other forms of support are necessary.
Can I go out to exercise during Lockdown 3.0?
You can exercise outside with the people you live with, your support bubble, or, if you are on your own, with one other person. But you can only leave your home to exercise once a day.
What happens if I break Lockdown 3.0 guidelines?
You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400. If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.
Adrian Flux: still here, still listening, still helping
While working from home where possible and observing social distancing protocols, it is almost business as usual for the team at Adrian Flux insurance. We are here to help you during these difficult times. If you have concerns about the implications of Lockdown 3.0 on your household or motor insurance see our Covid-19 round-up of Frequently Asked Questions.
For a complete guide to Lockdown 3.0 rules and regulations visit the government website.