Grandparents are exempt from local lockdown restrictions - here are the rules explained

Grandparents and other people who provide informal childcare are to be exempt from coronavirus restrictions in areas with a local lockdown. Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the relaxation to rules in the House of Commons on Monday 21 September, stating that such arrangements were a “lifeline” for many. Exemptions for childcare People who will rely on friends and family for childcare will be allowed to continue such arrangements in areas under a local lockdown. The move is intended to assist the thousands of people who are unable to continue to do their jobs without the help of childcare. However, Mr Hancock warned that the exemption would not allow parents to send their children to “playdates or parties” with friends from another household. Explaining the rules, he said, “Today I’m able to announce a new exemption for looking after children under the age of 14 or vulnerable adults, where that is necessary for caring purposes. This covers both formal and informal arrangements. “It does not allow for playdates or parties, but it does mean that a consistent childcare relationship, that is vital for somebody to get to work, is allowed.” What are the local lockdown rules? Local lockdowns are currently in place in parts of the Midlands, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, West Yorkshire and the North East, preventing multiple household mixing. People who live in the affected areas must not: People must only come inside your home or garden for specific purposes set out in law, including: From 14 September, in line with new rules across the whole of England, people must not meet in a group of more than six people in any location. However, for people who live in the affected areas with local restrictions, government guidance states that people should not: Socialise with people they do not live with, unless they are in their support bubble, in any public venue. This applies to inside and outside of the affected areas, and includes pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions and parks. Visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances.