Politics
When is the next UK lockdown review?
BRITS coping with England’s third national lockdown have been told that restrictions will remain in place until at least March 8.
Here’s the latest on when the coronavirus lockdown will next be reviewed.
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Boris Johnson will set out his plans on February 22[/caption]
When is the next UK lockdown review?
Boris Johnson has told the House of Commons that a review will take place this week.
After reviewing the latest data, the Prime Minister will announce his plan to ease lockdown restrictions on February 22.
He added: “When parliament returns from recess in the week commencing the 22nd of February, we intend to set out the results of that review, and publish our plan for taking the country out of lockdown.”
By law, the UK government must review lockdown restrictions every two weeks.
While lockdown rules are reviewed every fortnight, national restrictions were expected to be extended into March.
On January 27 he said the government’s aim was to set out a “gradual and phased approach towards easing the restrictions… beginning with the reopening of schools – that must be our national priority.”
Hopes for Brits being able to go abroad though were dashed on February 10 by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
Speaking on Sky News, he explained: “The truth is we just don’t know how the virus will respond to both to the vaccines and of course how people will respond.
“I’m afraid I can’t give you a definitive, will there or will there not be the opportunity to take holidays this next year either at home or abroad.”
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Shapps said travelling abroad would depend on “everybody having their vaccinations” in the UK – and potentially abroad.
When asked if travel restrictions will stay in place until everyone has had a vaccine, he said: “Yes.”
What restrictions are currently in place?
Restrictions vary across the four nations of Britain. Here are the restrictions currently in place in each country.
ENGLAND
Under the latest lockdown restrictions in England, you can only leave home for limited, essential reasons.
You are allowed out of your house to buy essential food and medicine supplies, attend medical appointments and exercise.
Brits can also go to work if it cannot be done from home, as well providing care for a vulnerable person and attending education if eligible.
All primary schools, secondary schools and colleges have been moved to remote lessons – except for vulnerable and key worker children.
Nurseries and special schools remain open.
Non-essential shops, bars, cafes and restaurants are closed – except for takeaways.
The new rules also mean Brits cannot travel unless absolutely necessary – for example, for work purposes.
WALES
Wales entered a national lockdown just before Christmas 2020.
Lockdown measures have been extended until February 19 but rules around exercise and support bubbles have been relaxed.
A total of two people from different households are now allowed to meet up locally to exercise.
People will also be allowed to reform their support bubble, after a review of the measures was undertaken.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “I hope these two very small and careful steps will be the first towards a time when we can all live with fewer restrictions on our lives and without fear of this terrible virus.”
Pupils aged three to seven will begin returning to primary school in Wales from February 22, the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, told the Welsh government on February 5.
Vulnerable people in Wales have been advised to continue to shield at home until March 31.
SCOTLAND
On Tuesday, January 5, mainland Scotland entered lockdown.
Scotland then tightened its lockdown rules on January 13.
Under the new rules click and collect is only allowed for essential items such as clothes, footwear, baby equipment, homeware and books.
Key-cutting, shoe repairs, garden centres and plant nurseries can also offer collection services.
Takeaway rules have been tightened in Scotland – and people are no longer able to go inside to collect takeaway food or coffee.
Instead, businesses must use a hatch or doorway service.
Scots must work from home if possible and the new regulations require people to stay at home unless for essential purposes.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the tough Covid curbs will remain in place until “at least the middle of February”.
The next review is scheduled to take place on February 16.
NORTHERN IRELAND
A six-week lockdown began in Northern Ireland on December 26.
As with other lockdowns, you must stay at home except for essential purposes.
You can still visit your support bubble, leave the house to buy food or pick up medicines – and for other essential purposes like exercise.
However, members of the public have been told they must not travel more than 10 miles from their house for exercise.
In Northern Ireland, you can meet up to six people from a maximum of two households in an outdoor public setting – but not in a private garden.
Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann has recommended extending the country’s lockdown until March 5, with a review date of February 18.
The country’s chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said on February 9 that restrictions will not be fully lifted until 70 to 80 per cent of people have been vaccinated.
He added he believed some restrictions could be in place “into next year”.
CORONAVIRUS LATEST
When did lockdown start?
The first lockdown started on March 23, 2020. Restrictions continued into July.
The second lockdown in England was announced on October 31, despite Mr Johnson vowing to do “everything in his power” to avoid the measures.
The measures came into force on Thursday, November 5, and ended on December 2.
On January 4, 2021, a third national lockdown was confirmed in England after weeks of increasingly severe tiers across England as cases climbed.
Announcing the most recent lockdown in England, Mr Johnson said: “The weeks ahead will be the hardest yet but I really do believe that we are entering the last phase of the struggle.”
