National lockdown from November 5th confirmed
The government has released detailed information on the new national lockdown restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, and the financial support available.
The update follows today’s vote by MPs to approve the government’s four-week lockdown across England. Boris Johnson told Parliament the new lockdown, which starts tomorrow, would “expire automatically” on 2 December.
The list of businesses and venues which are allowed to remain open, following COVID-19 Secure guidelines, includes:
- Essential retail such as food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, hardware stores, building merchants and off-licences.
- Petrol stations, car repair and MOT services, bicycle shops, and taxi and vehicle hire businesses.
- Banks, building societies, post offices, loan providers and money transfer businesses
- Funeral directors
- Launderettes and dry cleaners
- Medical and dental services
- Vets and pet shops
- Agricultural supplies shops
- Storage and distribution facilities
- Car parks, public toilets and motorway service areas
- Outdoor playgrounds
Find out about other restrictions here.
Additional updates and guidance
Loan schemes: application deadlines extended to January 31 2021
The application deadlines for the Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan, Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Future Fund have been extended until 31 January 2021.
Government increases support for self-employed
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is to be made more generous – with self-employed individuals receiving 80% of their average trading profits for November.
The Marine Management Organisation fast-tracks grants to help England’s ports and fishing industry
Applications invited by MMO for grants to help ports or harbours impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and for health and safety equipment for fishing vessel owners.
A message to the housing industry on continuing to work securely
A message to the housing industry from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation and Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders.
New guidance to support safe care home visits during lockdown
Care homes will be encouraged and supported to provide safe visiting opportunities as new national restrictions come into effect.