Prime Minister announces third England lockdown

Today, Monday 4th January 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a new lockdown across England from Tuesday 5th January until at least 15th February, following similar measures in Scotland.

Primary schools, secondary schools and colleges will be going back to online learning only – excepting vulnerable children and children of essential workers, who may still attend school. All pupils will switch to remote learning until the February half-term.

Students will not be able to return to university and will be expected to study online from their current residence until mid-February. In-person teaching can take place for a limited number of critical courses, such as medicine.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people are again urged to shield and should not go to work even if they cannot work from home.

​​Everyone must stay at home, and may leave only for a limited set of reasons, which include:

– For work, if you cannot work from home;

– For exercise and recreation outdoors;

– For all medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm;

– To shop for food and essentials;

– And to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

Most business must again close, with only some businesses permitted to stay open – this includes those providing essential goods or services, including: food shops, supermarkets, and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services.

Essential retail should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers.