Coronavirus in Sheffield: Your questions on moving house, going on holiday and seeing family during lockdown answered

With restrictions to people's lives changing yet again with the second lockdown of 2020, it can be difficult to keep track of what you can and can’t do.
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Here we seek to answer some of your questions surrounding the new national shutdown.

When do the new rules come into force?

The lockdown was imposed from 12.01am this morning (November 5) and is set to continue until December 2 after MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the new restrictions.

A Police officer speaks with a dog handler in the shopping district in central Sheffield (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)A Police officer speaks with a dog handler in the shopping district in central Sheffield (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
A Police officer speaks with a dog handler in the shopping district in central Sheffield (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
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Boris Johnson sought to reassure people the measures will be eased on December 2 as planned, and should enable shops and businesses to reopen in time for the run-up to Christmas.

But the Prime Minister acknowledged that it would depend on getting the R number – the reproduction rate of the virus – back down below 1.

Can I leave my home?

The Government has published 32 pages of regulations including exceptions to the general stay-at-home message.

Two women wearing protective face coverings (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)Two women wearing protective face coverings (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Two women wearing protective face coverings (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Specific reasons include education if it is not provided online, work if you cannot work from home and for exercise.

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People can also leave for recreational purposes with their own household or on their own with one person from another household (a “one plus one” rule).

Examples of recreation include meeting up with a friend in the park for a walk or to sit on a bench and eat a sandwich.

People will not be allowed to meet in homes and gardens, and golf clubs will remain shut.

A couple walk past closed shops in a quiet lane (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)A couple walk past closed shops in a quiet lane (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
A couple walk past closed shops in a quiet lane (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

People can also leave home to shop for food and essentials, and to provide care for vulnerable people or as a volunteer.

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Attending medical appointments is also allowed or to escape injury or harm (such as for people suffering domestic abuse).

Support bubbles will remain in place and people can still meet up in their bubble.

Children can move between the homes of their parents if their parents are separated.

What must close?

Non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues must all close.

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Non-essential retail includes clothing and electronics stores, car showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops.

Leisure includes bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks.

Theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, zoos and other animal attractions will close.

Hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture and tanning salons will also close.

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Click and collect can continue, and essential shops such as supermarkets, garden centres and shops “providing essential goods and services” will remain open.

Bars, pubs and restaurants must stay closed except for delivery or takeaway services.

They will be permitted to sell takeaway alcohol so long as it is pre-ordered online, or via phone or post.

Pre-ordered drinks can be sold to and collected by a customer “provided the purchaser does not enter inside the premises to do so”, regulations state.

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Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work and for a limited number of other reasons including people who need accommodation while moving house, to attend a funeral or if they are isolating themselves from others as required by law.

What else stays open?

The NHS and medical services such as GPs, along with Jobcentre Plus sites and courts.

What if I shielded last time?

People over 60 and those who are clinically vulnerable are being told to be especially careful about following the rules and minimising their contact with others.

Anyone who was formally notified that they should shield last time and not go out to work will be advised to limit their movements again.

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However, formal shielding as happened during the March and April lockdown – where people were told not to leave home for any reason – will not be brought in.

People classed as clinically extremely vulnerable are being advised to work from home. If that is not possible, people may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay or Employment Support Allowance.

Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable have been told they should not only minimise their contacts with others but also not go to work if they are unable to work from home.

Can I go abroad?

No- not unless you are travelling for work, education or other legally permitted exemptions.

Can I still see my children if I’m separated from my partner?

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Yes. Children can move between homes even if their parents are separated.

I have a holiday booked in the UK- can I still go?

No. People cannot travel internationally or within the UK, unless for work, education or other legally permitted exemptions.

Overnight stays away from your home is not allowed, except for specific exceptions including for work.

Can I see my family and friends?

You must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household – this means the people you live with - or support bubble.

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You can exercise or visit outdoor public places with the people you live with, your support bubble, or one person from another household.

Who can form a support bubble?

A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household. Households in that support bubble can visit each other, stay overnight, and visit outdoor public places together.

It is recommended you form a support bubble with someone who lives locally wherever possible.

Can I move house?

Yes.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed that people can continue to move house despite lockdown.

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He tweeted: “Housing market update ahead of Thursday’s measures: Renters and homeowners will be able to move; Removal firms and estate agents can operate; Construction sites can and should continue; Tradespeople will be able to enter homes.

“But all must follow the Covid safety guidance.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.