What Wiltshire Council Services are shut during lockdown?
Changes have been made after yesterday's (4th January) announcement
Last updated 5th Jan 2021
Some of Wiltshire Council's services have been affected as the country went into lockdown today (Tuesday 5th January).
Under these restrictions, people are being told they should stay at home and only make essential visits.
WHAT HAS BEEN SHUT?
The local authority have confirmed that their libraries are closed until further notice.
They will be moving to an order and collect service, which will be in place while they are shut.
Meanwhile, all leisure centres are closed as well.
All members at a Wiltshire Council leisure centre will have their membership automatically frozen, at no cost, until the centres are able to reopen.
Meanwhile, direct debit members should have had their January payment processed today.
All other leisure community activities will also temporarily cease during lockdown.
WHAT IS STAYING OPEN?
During the first lockdown in March, Wiltshire's Household Recycling Centres closed for a few months.
They are going to remain open this time around but have to be booked in advance.
Wiltshire Council are also urging people to only visit their nearest tip if it is essential to do so.
All of their kerbside waste collection services are currently running to schedule.
Full details can be found on the Wiltshire Council website.
HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE
After yesterday's announcement the local authority are reminding people that they can get help and support whenever it's needed.
The Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub is aimed at supporting those who are in need of extra support.
They say that "no query is too big or too small".
You can call the hub on 0300 003 4576.
Cllr Philip Whitehead, leader of Wiltshire Council said:
“This is clearly very serious, and we all have a responsibility to make the right choices and adhere to the rules – it’s never been more vital.
Just as they are nationally, local COVID-19 case numbers are increasing significantly and whilst cases in Wiltshire remain below the national average, the recent increase presents a worrying trend which must be addressed. We know this lockdown will be tough for individuals and businesses, but with people getting vaccinated every day, we have to hope that better days are not for away. In the meantime, we need everyone to keep going and look out for each other and our health services. We know so much has been asked of people already, and we don’t take their support for granted.
As we have done throughout the pandemic, we’ll provide any support we are able to.”
WHAT ARE THE LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS?
Can I leave the house?
People will only be allowed to leave their house for limited reasons, including shopping for essentials, work or education, exercise, and to seek medical assistance.
Mr Johnson said residents can leave their homes for shopping for necessities such as food and medicine, but only as infrequently as possible.
Are schools open?
Schools are closed to most pupils, except the children of key workers and those who are vulnerable. Teaching will continue remotely online.
Do I have to go into work?
People will be able to go to work if it is impossible to work from home, such as those working in the construction sector or who are critical workers. All others must work from home. Cleaners and other trades people will still be able to work in people's homes. Those shielding should not go to work
They are advised not to go to work even if they cannot work from home.
Are support bubbles still allowed?
Support bubbles are still allowed. This is when two households link up, effectively forming one household. Only certain people are allowed to form support bubbles, including adults living alone and single adults living with children. More information forming support bubbles can be found here.
Can I go shopping?
All non-essential shops, hairdressers and personal care venues must close. Essential shops, including food stores and supermarkets, will remain open.
Can weddings and funerals go ahead?
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with strict restrictions on the number in attendance. Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people, while commemorative events such as wakes can be attended by 6 people. Weddings and civil partnerships can only take place with 6 attendees under exceptional circumstances, such as an urgent marriage where one person is terminally ill.
What's happening with universities?
Students studying courses which require formative training, such as medicine, dentistry, education, veterinary science and social work, will return to face-to-face teaching as normal. Students studying other courses should, where possible, remain where they are and start their term remotely with online learning.
Are restaurants and pubs closed?
All cafes, pubs and restaurants should close. Restaurants and other hospitality venues can continue delivery or takeaway services, but people will not be able to add alcohol to that order.
I want to exercise, are gyms open and sports allowed?
Gyms and leisure facilities must close. Exercise outside will be allowed – preferably limited to once a day – with members of your household or support bubble or one other person from another household, such as going for a walk or run. Exercise should be taken locally.
Can I go to church or other places of worship?
Places of worship can remain open for individual prayers and communal worship, but people should only visit with their household or support bubble and maintain social distancing throughout.
What about childcare?
All primary and secondary schools as well as colleges will move to remote learning, but early years settings such as nurseries and childminders can remain open, and existing childcare bubbles will be allowed to stay in place.
Can I play sport?
Outdoor gyms, tennis courts and golf courses must close, and outdoor team sports will not be permitted. Organised outdoor sport for disabled people can continue.
Premier League and other elite sports that already have in place strict testing regimes and their own bubbles will be allowed to continue.
Can I still move house?
Yes, people can still move house. Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to operate. You can still attend property viewings.