Boris Johnson has announced England will enter a new national lockdown – but how does that affect the existing Tier 3 restrictions in Nottingham?
The city, along with the rest of Nottinghamshire, entered Tier 3 last week after a rise in cases of coronavirus, as well as a worrying rise in hospital admissions.
In addition to the ban on households mixing indoors as enforced under Tier 2, residents in Nottinghamshire were told that betting shops, saunas, tattoo parlours and nail salons would all close.
Universities would remain open, as would gyms, swimming pools, hairdressers and sports courts.
Pubs and restaurants were instructed to close unless they served ‘substantial meals’.
The most controversial rule, however, was a ban on takeaway alcohol sales after 9 pm.
Just over 24 hours after Tier 3 restrictions came into force for Nottingham, the Prime Minister announced England would enter a national lockdown.
Discussing the change in approach from regionalised lockdowns to a national restriction, Mr Johnson said no “responsible” Prime Minister could “ignore the message” presented by the data.
He said: “No one wants to be imposing these kinds of measures anywhere.
“We didn’t want to be shutting businesses, pubs and restaurants in one part of the country, where incidence was very low, when the vast bulk of infections were taking place elsewhere.
“Our hope was that by strong local action, strong local leadership, we could get the rates of infection down where the disease was surging, and address the problem thereby across the whole country.”
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It means the nation will return to the life endured during March and April, although there are some minor changes.
Unlike last time the country went into a lockdown, this time restrictions only apply to England.
This means that the existing firebreaker in Wales will end as expected on November 9.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has not ruled following the footsteps of England but, for now, advises against people crossing the border to and from the south.
So how exactly is Nottingham’s Tier 3 restrictions affected by the new national lockdown? We hope to have answered some of the questions posed by readers of Platform Magazine.
What shops remain open in a national lockdown?
During the first lockdown, shops that were allowed to remain open were: supermarkets, pharmacies, vets, newsagents, pet shops, hardware stores, retail shops in hospitals, petrol stations, laundrettes, undertakers, banks, post offices, off licences, public toilets and credit unions.
Guidance released by the Government on Saturday evening explained that all non-essential retail would have to close from November 5.
Mentioned directly as having to close were clothing and electronic stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes and tobacco and vape shops.
Also included as having to close are personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons.
Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers, click-and-collect and takeaway.
If I shielded before, do I need to shield now?
In the first lockdown, millions of people were required to shield in order to avoid contracting the virus while having underlying medical conditions.
When the new national lockdown kicks in, shielding will not be reintroduced. The government does, however, advise the clinically vulnerable and over 60-year-olds to minimise contact with others.
What happens to Nottingham’s 9 pm alcohol ban?
A Number 10 spokesperson told Nottinghamshire Live that the new national lockdown rules will override any existing restrictions in Nottingham.
This means the current 9 pm alcohol ban – which was implemented specifically in Nottinghamshire as a means to fight the number of house parties – would be scrapped.
Will university continue under the national lockdown?
Yes. In the guidance released by the Government, they state: “The Government will continue to prioritise the wellbeing and long-term futures of our young people and will not be closing schools, colleges or universities.”
They later add: “Universities and adult education settings should consider moving to increased levels of online learning where possible.”
Nottingham Trent University have not yet said whether they will be adjusting students’ timetables to take into consideration the new lockdowns.
Will I be able to return home from university for Christmas?
During his press conference yesterday, the Prime Minister admitted Christmas is going to be “very different” this year.
He added that it is his “sincere hope and belief” that action now will “allow families across the country to be together.”
The government and Department for Education are expected to publish further guidance towards the end of term on how students can return home safely.
Can I return home from university?
Based on the new guidance, travelling outside of your local area is advised against – although no definition of “local area” has been provided.
A number of exemptions to the no travel rule exist, including: travelling to work if it cannot be done from home, travelling to education or caring responsibilities, hospital, GP and other medical appointments, visiting venues that are open, and for exercise.
However, there is a ban on overnight stays and holidays abroad and in the UK.
It means you cannot stay in a second home, if you own one, and you cannot stay with anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with.
There are, of course, exceptions but these are limited to work purposes.
British nationals currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, you should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning.
By Matt Lee
Lead Image: Matt Lee