The Government has set out the new national restrictions which will take effect in England from 5th November until 2nd December, requiring people to stay at home and for some businesses to close.
As part of the national lockdown, the Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close. These include:
- all non-essential retail, including, but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, car washes, tobacco and vape shops
- pubs and restaurants (takeaways and deliveries can continue, however, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed)
- indoor and outdoor leisure facilities
- entertainment venues
- personal care facilities
Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open and can continue to sell ‘non-essential goods’. Retailers should continue to follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect colleagues and customers visiting their stores.
Until 5th November, the relevant Local Covid Alert Level measures will continue to apply and no new areas will move into the very high restrictions between now and Thursday.
The Prime Minister is due to address MPs about the restrictions this afternoon and Parliament will vote on the measures on Wednesday and these are expected to come into force on Thursday 5th November.
The Government also announced an extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) until December meaning the government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 and employers will pay employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and pension contributions only for the hours the employee does not work.
More information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november
