 Southampton is now in lockdown following the announcement by the Prime Minister on Monday night. There are only a limited number of reasons you should leave your home:
- shopping for necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
- going to work, or providing voluntary services, if you cannot do so from home
- exercising locally, limited to once per day
- meeting your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary
- to seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm
You can read the full guidance on the gov.uk website.
COVID-19 latest data for Southampton
The latest data shows that cases of COVID-19 in the city are rising rapidly and there is extremely high pressure on ICU capacity at University Hospital Southampton.
 Such rapid growth in infections suggests that the new strain of the virus is present in Southampton. The new strain appears to pass from person to person even easier than before and this makes it a huge threat to our communities.
We are now entering a crucial period with the rollout of vaccines and so we must do everything we can to protect our local NHS and the most vulnerable in our communities whilst this takes place. To do this we must all play our part by keeping our contact with other households to an absolute minimum.
Full weekly data dashboard on COVID-19 in Southampton.
Changes to council services
Keep an eye on our website and social media over the coming days for updates on any further changes to all of our services.
Shielding advice returns for clinically extremely vulnerable
Due to being at higher risk of becoming very unwell from catching COVID-19, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable should now follow shielding guidance. Letters are being sent out with advice on what this means including:
- To not attend work, school, college or university
- Limit the time you spend outside the home
- Only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential
If you do not have friends or family that can help you and need emergency food support, help with getting medication, or would like someone to talk to, please call our COVID-19 helpline 023 8083 4800, open Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm, or complete our online form.
Schools and Early Years settings
 All schools and colleges across Southampton have moved to online learning for the majority of pupils. Different arrangements are in place for vulnerable children, the children of critical workers, and children with Education, Health and Social Care Plans. You can find out more information by visiting our website or directly from your child’s school.
Although schools have moved to online learning, Early Years settings such as nurseries are able to stay open to all children.
As well as the remote learning arrangements that schools have put in place, you might be interested to see that the BBC has launched a new educational programming schedule, to help parents who are schooling children from home.
Free online educational resources for families
 Cultural attractions and venues in the city remain closed, however there are a wide range of online resources now available.
Mayflower 400 Southampton have put together educational resources as part of the anniversary programme to mark of the sailing of the Mayflower. The resources have been co-created by Oasis Academy Mayfield and Paula Peters of the Wampanoag tribespeople. They tell the Mayflower story from both the perspective of the European settlers and the Native Americans. This is the first time Wampanoag people have co-curated education materials for UK students.
SeaCity Museum, Tudor House and Gardens and Southampton City Art Gallery have also put together a range of free online resources and downloadable activities for children and families to enjoy.
These venues also offer a wide range of online talks and activities which you can book on WeGotTickets.
Support for businesses
 Detail on which businesses can remain open under the new lockdown are available on the GOV.UK website.
The Government has announced additional funding including new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs. The guidance for the new schemes, announced by the Chancellor yesterday, will not be issued to Local Authorities until next week.
Please note that businesses do not need to complete a new application form. We will issue a declaration form to each business that previously received a Local Restriction Support Grant (period 5 November to 2 December) to re-confirm that circumstances remain unchanged.
The government has confirmed that the job retention scheme will continue until 30 April 2021.
As further information becomes available, it will be published on the council website or businesses can sign up to our business e-newsletter for the latest news.
Parking, travel and transport
 Please only undertake essential journeys. The latest information on travel, transport and parking is available on our COVID-19 update webpages. If you're using public transport to travel then check the websites of individual operators to view the latest updates on their services. If you're not sure which operator or service you need, My Journey is Southampton's one stop destination for information and advice on buses, trains and ferries, as well as cycling and walking.
All Pay and Display restrictions and the enforcement of parking restrictions will continue as normal, as will the Itchen Bridge toll.
Temporary Parking Permits
We recognise that some residents will still be working from home due to the current circumstances. Residents eligible for a permit should apply for one as normal.
Residents who live within the boundary of a Resident Parking Zone and aren’t usually eligible for a parking permit can purchase a 3 month temporary permit for £15 for a limited time only. Residents should download the COVID-19 temporary permit application form. Details on how to apply are outlined in the form.
Manage your mental wellbeing during lockdown
 We’ve all faced disruption, change and uncertainty during the COVID-19 outbreak, and that looks set to continue for a while.
It's easy to get caught in a spiral of 'what ifs' – worrying about our health, family, job and finances, and how and when things will return to normal – particularly if we’re already struggling with our mental health. Mind’s 5 Ways to Wellbeing offers practical advice to keep you connected to others and keep your mind healthy during this especially difficult time.
The NHS 'Every Mind Matters' website lists 10 things you can do to help deal with change and look after your mental wellbeing in the face of uncertainty, as well as places you can go to get further free advice and support. It also has advice for parents, young people and ways to boost your mental health through exercise.
Check out the steps2wellbeing service for local advice and help.
Beware of vaccination scams
 There have been reports of new scams where a person receives a text saying they need to book a vaccination appointment, which then takes them to a fake NHS form which asks for their bank details to prove their identity. The NHS will never ask for your banking information. This handy texting scam leaflet helps to show how you can spot and avoid scams.
Help stop the spread
 Please do your part to help stop the spread of the virus by regularly sanitising the handles of wheelie bins and washing your hands before and after touching them.
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