But Boris Johnson is facing criticism that his delay in imposing restrictions will have a “very real” human cost
The prime minister rejected calls from his scientific advisors last month for a short, sharp, two-week “circuit-break” – but after local restrictions failed to sufficiently reduce infections, he was forced to tell the country once again to stay at home.
The upcoming lockdown will be similar to that faced by the whole country in the spring, but restrictions will be slightly less tough.
Under the new restrictions:
People are being told to stay at home except for specific reasons
These include work which cannot be done from home, childcare or education, exercise outdoors, medical reasons, essential shopping, providing care for vulnerable people or for volunteering, and visiting members of your support bubble
Meeting indoors or in private gardens will not be allowed, but individuals can meet one other person from another household outside in a public place
Non-essential retail will close, but can remain open for click-and-collect delivery
Pubs, bars, restaurants must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery, excluding takeaway of alcohol
Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also close, along with entertainment venues and personal care facilities such as beauty salons
Places of worship will close, unless they are being used for funerals, to broadcast acts of worship, individual prayer, formal childcare, or essential services such as blood donation or food banks
Construction sites and manufacturing workplaces can remain open
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies cannot take place except in exceptional circumstances, and funerals will be limited to a maximum of 30 people
Children can move between homes if their parents are separated
Clinically vulnerable people are asked to be “especially careful” but people are not being asked to resume shielding
Overnight stays, staying in a second home, and holidays will not be allowed – including in the UK and abroad – although there are exceptions, such as work trips
People should avoid all non-essential travel by private or public transport
