As announced on Saturday 31 October, national restrictions are due to come into force in England on Thursday 5 November.
Below is a summary of the measures in place until at least Wednesday 2 December. For more information about the current guidelines, please visit the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november
Restrictions
You must not leave your home except for the following purposes:
- For childcare or education (schools, colleges and universities will remain open).
- For work purposes, where you cannot work from home.
- For medical reasons, appointments and emergencies.
- To go shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible.
- To exercise outdoors or visit an outdoor public place. You may only do this with members of your household, members of your support bubble or with one person from another household (children under school age and those dependent on round-the-clock-care do not count towards the limit).
- To visit members of your support bubble or to provide care for vulnerable people.
Other important information
- Funerals can take place with up to 30 people. Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted.
- You should limit the number of journeys you make and avoid travelling out of your local area.
- Overnight stays and holidays away from your primary residence are not permitted. This means you cannot stay in a second home or stay with anyone you do not live with (except those you are in a support bubble with)
Businesses
The following businesses and organisations must close:
- Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities.
- Entertainment venues.
- Personal care facilities.
- Places of worship (except for private worship).
The following businesses and organisations are subject to tight restrictions:
- Food shops, supermarkets and supermarkets can remain open, following Covid-secure guidelines.
- Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery and click-and-collect only.
- Hospitality venues must shut but can still provide takeaway and delivery services (sale of alcohol is not permitted).
- Accommodation providers may only open for those who have to travel for work purposes.
- Childcare and support groups may be able to remain open.
Financial support
- The Coronavirus Job Retention scheme is being extended, with the government funding 80% of employee’s usual salary (up to £2500 per month) for hours not worked. Employers will only be asked to cover National Insurance and Employer pension contributions.
- The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme is being extended for individuals who are experiencing reduced demand or cannot trade due to coronavirus. The government will fund 80% of trading profits for November, and 40% of trading profits for December and January. Individuals will be able to claim the grant from 30 November.
- Businesses forced to close will receive up to £3,000 per month.
- The application deadline for loan guarantee schemes (Bounce Back Loan Scheme, Coronavirus Businesses Interruption Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme) will be extended to 31 January 2021.
- Businesses that have already received a Bounce Back Loan but borrowed less than their maximum will be able to top-up their existing loan.
- Local authorities in England will receive £1.1 billion to support businesses.
- Up to £500 million will be provided to local councils to support their local healthcare response.
- Mortgage payment holidays and payment holidays for consumer credit products will continue to be available.