What you can do in Lockdown 2 that you couldn’t in the first

England is bracing for tough new coronavirus restrictions to take effect tomorrow after MPs overwhelmingly back another national lockdown.

It means that several businesses will be forced to close, people will again be urged to stay home, and social mixing will be practically prohibited from Thursday, November 5 to Wednesday, December 2.

But even though this is the second lock of its kind, there are a number of key differences from the restrictions from last time. Many fear that the more flexible nature of the incoming measures means they could be extended or leave the country facing a third shutdown at a later date.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he faced no alternative to the nuclear option of a lockdown, amid fears that the NHS could be overwhelmed by a further surge in Covid-19 cases and when countries like France and Germany announced equally draconian steps.

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Here we take a look at some of the changes between the rules for England’s impending lockdown and what people were able to do last time.

Children can go to school

Essentially, schools will remain open this time, along with daycare centers, colleges and universities.

That could have major ramifications for the R rate, and experts suggest that high school students could continue to spread the virus, weakening the effectiveness of this lockdown and potentially prolonging it.

College students are urged to stay on campus, amid warnings that if they return home they risk spreading the virus across the country.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules

Last time, the whole UK locked down. But tomorrow’s changes only apply to England. Wales and Northern Ireland are in the middle of “firewall” and “circuit breaker” blockades, respectively, while Scotland has a new five-tier system.

You can exercise with someone else outside of your home.

In March, the British were only allowed to leave their homes once a day to exercise, but now it is unlimited.

You can also do this exercise, perhaps a walk in a public park, with someone other than your home, while children under preschool age are not included in that two-person limit.

Home care visits are allowed

Family members and close friends will be encouraged to meet loved ones in nursing homes through a window or in an outdoor setting under the new government guidelines. That’s a significant departure from the last lockdown, when all face-to-face visits were banned.

So-called ‘ad-hoc’ visits will not be allowed, although nursing homes “will be encouraged and supported to provide safe visiting opportunities,” the Department of Health and Social Assistance said.

Places of worship will be partially open

Like last time, places of worship, including churches, mosques, synagogues, and other venues, will need to close for community prayer. However, private prayer by individuals will now be allowed.

Unshielded

People who were particularly vulnerable to the virus were told to protect themselves in the spring. But the armor has been suspended for months and will not be officially reinstated for this lockdown, despite new guidelines being released a few hours before the lockdown.

People over the age of 60 and those who are clinically vulnerable are told to take extra care to follow the rules and minimize their contact with others.

Football is on

The last time the sports world was essentially postponed en masse.

But ‘elite’ sports in England, including Premier League football, will be able to continue despite restrictions for next month. Grassroots sport, however, has been canceled, and gyms are also unable to open, despite intense lobbying.

Public toilets are open

In March, there was widespread criticism of the decision to close public toilets, as it made life uncomfortable for people or meant that they performed their needs in unsuitable areas, much to the chagrin of the locals. This time there will likely be fewer problems of that unpleasant nature.

There are bubbles

The “bubble of support” concept had not yet been implemented during the latest shutdown, leaving people living alone in the face of isolation. This time, however, single-adult households may remain in an exclusive support bubble with another household.

You could even get pints to wear together, but like last time you won’t be able to keep them inside.

Dentists and opticians are open

There seems to be more concessions for what is considered an “essential” store this time around and among them are services for the care of teeth and eyes.

The public will have access to dentists and opticians, as well as garden centers, outdoor food stalls, pet stores, hardware stores and bicycle shops.

However, home goods stores are not identified as essential retailers, unlike the first closing.

Click and collect options will also be available to customers.

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You are unlikely to see any major protests

At the first confinement, people gathered in groups to protest. While limited social distancing was shown at times, the events were allowed. But this time Home Secretary Priti Patel has specifically said that there will be a ban on protests of more than two people.

You can’t go on vacation

International travel abroad for holiday purposes is banned for a month, in an unprecedented measure that may confuse those who believe that banning international travel to England would be a more effective way to control the virus.

It means that you are not allowed to go on vacation abroad for the duration of the lockdown.

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