Suffolk reacts to national lockdown
MPs in Suffolk have been reacting to the news of a national lockdown.
Last updated 5th Jan 2021
Boris Johnson addressed the nation last night (Monday 4th January) and announced the country would be entering another national lockdown to help fight the new variant of coronavirus.
Schools have been ordered to close, meaning a return to remote teaching for many children, and summer exams won't go ahead as planned.
People are being told to stay at home except for essential reasons including food shopping, exercise and seeking medical treatment.
Suffolk's MPs have been reacting to the news last night.
West Suffolk MP and Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, was among the first to show his support online.
James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, also agreed these were the right steps to take:
Business leaders in the county have welcomed the financial support announced today, 5th January, but are now calling on the Government for long term solutions.
Paul Simon, Head of Policy at Suffolk Chambers of Commerce, said: "We really want the Government to go much further than short term support for specific sectors, welcome though that it is, we need them now to take a far more strategic and planned approach to how they will support businesses rebuild throughout the whole of 2021 and into next year.
"It must outline a full programme of support, it must use the budget in March to address some of the systemic issues that penalises risk taking and growth. It must pull together a national skills programme that provides coordinated support for workers to retrain and develop new skills to ensure they are as adaptable as possible given future uncertainties."
The lockdown rules are expected to be in place until mid-February in England.
What are the restrictions during lockdown?
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.