National Covid-19 restrictions now in place
Residents and businesses across Staffordshire are warned they have four weeks to curb the rise in Covid-19 cases – as a second national lockdown comes into force today (November 5).
The county has continued to see cases soar in recent weeks towards the levels in the North West of England and almost double the national rate in some areas. This is creating increasing pressures on the NHS.
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What are the new rules?
- People will be told to stay at home except for education, work (if it can't be done from home), exercise and recreation, medical reasons, shopping for food and other essentials, or to care for others.
- All pubs and restaurants will have to close.
- All non-essential shops will have to close.
- Households will not be allowed to mix with others indoors, or in private gardens.
- Individuals can meet one person from outside their household in an outside public space.
- Support bubbles for people who live alone, and households made up of single parents and children can continue.
- Schools, colleges and universities will remain open.
- Workplaces will be asked to stay open if people cannot work from home - including construction and manufacturing.
- Outdoor exercise and recreation will be allowed, but gyms will have to close.
New national restrictions: FAQs
We are a family of four - can we visit my parent’s house?
No. You must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household - meaning the people you live with - or support bubble.
Can I be part of more than one support bubble?
Sorry no. Support bubbles are to allow households with only one adult member (with or without children) to meet up with another household of any size. This is an exclusive arrangement, so you can’t have more than one.
What about childcare - can I still take my children to nursery?
Early years settings and childminders remain open, and you can continue to use these settings as normal.
You can access other childcare activities (including wraparound care) where reasonably necessary to enable parents to work, seek work, attend education or training, or for the purposes of respite care for carers.
I am over 60 years of age – what is the advice for me?
Over 60s should minimise contacts with others.
Advice for those more at risk from coronavirus
Clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised not to go to work if they are unable to work from home.
The Government has published updated guidance for this group of people on their website and have included advice for seeing friends and family, work, education settings, shopping and accessing care and support.
You can also register yourself or somebody else for additional support if you need help following the updated guidance.
Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Day honours those who gave their lives in the defence of the nation.
With national restrictions in place to control coronavirus, this year, we will remember, but we need to do so safely.
Whilst small outdoor ceremonies can take place and wreaths will be laid across the county, we’re encouraging Staffordshire’s residents to remember at home to protect friends, family and our many veterans who are often elderly.
People cannot gather for Remembrance Day services as part of communal worship, but celebrants can broadcast services online so that people can take part.
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