The UK Government has announced that there is a new nation-wide lockdown in England and everyone must stay at home.
This is due to the increasing rate of infection of Covid-19 and the new variant which government scientists have advised is 50-70% more transmissible, making it more likely to catch or pass on the virus. This is increasing pressure on hospitals and the NHS and there are increasing numbers of deaths.
You must not leave your home or be outside of your house except for a limited number of reasons. They include shopping for essentials, exercise once a day, seeking medical assistance, escaping domestic abuse, or to work if you cannot work from home.
Clinically extremely vulnerable people should start shielding and will receive a letter about what this means for them.
The full details are available on gov.uk/coronavirus.
Schools and education
Primary schools, secondary schools and colleges will move to remote learning across England, and will remain open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
Brighton & Hove City Council has already taken steps to protect pupils, education staff and our community by advising primary schools to move pupils to remote learning.
The government has said that pupils entitled to free school meals will continue to receive them.
Supporting our city
Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, Leader of the Council said:
“Another period of lockdown will mean further sacrifices for our community. I want to thank everyone for everything they have done already to pull together.
“I am now asking everyone to remember that that the new variant is spreading much more quickly. This means more than ever before we need to think of our most vulnerable and to help protect our local NHS, we need stay at home to save lives, and only leave home for the reasons allowed.
“The council will continue to play our part in the response against Covid-19 and put the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents first.
“We understand that the move to remote learning will be disruptive to many children, parents and guardians. Ultimately, no one wants to see schools in a position where they are not fully open, but we also know that to protect our wider community, these measures are needed.
“Over the weekend, looking at our local figures, we acted fast and with grave concern to advise our primary schools to close in order to protect our community.
“We are pleased the Government have now finally taken the decision which we saw as the right thing to do.”
“We will continue to work with our family of schools to support remote learning and to provide in person learning for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.”
“We know that many in our city will also need extra support at this time. As throughout the pandemic the community hub stands ready to support you and we urge anyone in need of assistance with food, bills or their health to get in touch.”
Help for residents if you need it
We know this is a worrying time and many residents will have concerns. Our Covid webpages have information on the services and support available in Brighton & Hove.
If you need extra support you can contact our community hub for emergency help with food, energy bills and other essentials.
You can contact the community hub through our website or you can call 01273 293 117 and select option 2 if you can’t get online. Our services will speak to you without judgement and are here to help. Phone interpreters are also available through this number.
Book a test at the first sign of any Covid symptoms.
Do not leave home if you or someone you live with has any of the following symptoms – even if very mild:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
You must immediately self-isolate with your household and book a test online or by calling 119.
What can you do during the lockdown?
- You can meet one person from outside your household in an outside public space for exercise, with social distancing
- Support bubbles for people who live alone and households made up of single parents and children can continue
- Children will be able to move between homes if their parents are separated
- Workplaces will stay open if people cannot work from home - including construction and manufacturing
- Outdoor exercise will be allowed with people you live with, as part of a support or childcare bubble, or with one other person (maintaining physical distancing)
- Clinically extremely vulnerable advised not to go to work if they are unable to work from home
There are simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other.
- Stay at home
- Wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly
- Cover face – wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
- Make space – stay at least two metres apart from other people