Here are the rules on meeting people in Portsmouth when Covid lockdown starts
England will go into lockdown for a second time on Thursday following a surge in coronavirus cases across the country.
Boris Johnson has ordered all non-essential retail to close and there are new rules on when and where you are allowed to socialise with other people.
Lockdown restrictions will come into force on Thursday and are expected to last a month until December 2.
For the last few weeks Portsmouth – and the rest of Hampshire – has been in Tier 1 of the government’s Covid tier system, which means people have been following national-level restrictions.
The weekly infection rate in Portsmouth has also passed 200 for the first time.
This has included not meeting in groups of more than six, and pubs and restaurants have had to close at 10pm each evening.
As of Thursday the rules on meeting people will change – here is what the government has said:
Staying at home
From Thursday November 5 to Wednesday December 2, people will be required to stay at home except for specific purposes.
The new rules also prevent people from gathering with others they do not live with, with certain exceptions.
When can you leave home?
Here are the reasons why you are allowed to leave home – this list is not exhaustive and will be updated by the government:
- For childcare or education, when it is not provided online. Schools, nurseries, colleges and universities can remain open.
- For work purposes, if your place or work remains open and you cannot work from home (including if you are required to work in other people's homes)
- To exercise or visit an outdoor public space
- For medical concerns, reasons, appointments or emergencies, or to avoid or escape risk of harm such as domestic abuse.
- Shopping for basic necessities, but these trips should be as infrequent as possible.
- to visit members of your support bubble or provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.
What are the rules on meeting people from other households?
If you are in a support bubble with another household you are allowed to meet with them as normal. A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household.
You can meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space, such as a park or playground, if you are on your own.
However, children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside.
You are not allowed to meet other people in a private garden.
As detailed above, you can also meet other people to provide care for them if they are vulnerable, and to volunteer.
Some venues will also be allowed to stay open for specific activities like childcare or support groups.
The government will announce new guidance on visiting care homes later this week – for now people should follow the existing guidance.
Keep up to date with the latest coronavirus news in Portsmouth with our Coronavirus Updates Facebook group.