New lockdown rules: What are the new coronavirus lockdown rules for UK?
LOCKDOWN has been extended in the UK for at least another three weeks. So what are the new coronavirus lockdown rules for the UK?
Dominic Raab asked how long lockdown will last by Kuenssberg
On Thursday Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, addressed the UK at the daily coronavirus briefing. The UK has now been under lockdown for three weeks, but Mr Raab said the measures will remain in place for at least another three weeks.
Addressing the nation, Mr Raab said there is “light at the end of the tunnel”, but people need to “be patient a while longer”.
He said: "In sum, the very clear advice we have received is that any change to our social distancing measures now would risk a significant increase in the spread of the virus.
“That would threaten a second peak of the virus, and substantially increase the number of deaths.
“It would undo the progress made to date, and as a result, would require an even longer period of the more restrictive social distancing measures.
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“So early relaxation would do more damage to the economy over a longer period.
“I want to be clear about this. The advice from SAGE is that relaxing any of the measures currently in place would risk damage to both public health and our economy.
“But based on this advice, the Government has determined that current measures must remain in place for at least the next three weeks.”
The current lockdown measures will remain in place for some time, but additional measures have also been implemented in recent days.
What are the new UK lockdown rules?
The Crown Prosecution Service has issued new guidance on ‘reasonable’ reasons to leave home.
The new guidance says it is “lawful to drive for exercise”, but “far more time should be spent walking than driving” for the journey to be legal.
Under the new guidelines, you can stop to take a break while exercising, but a short amount of exercise does not justify a long period of inactivity.
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The new rules also confirm people can leave home for work if they cannot work from home, even if they are not considered key workers.
It is also reasonable to move to a friend’s address temporarily if there has been an argument at home, for a ‘cooling-off’ period.
For at least the next three weeks, the measures already in place will remain.
Under the current measures, people are only allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons.
This includes shopping for essentials such as food and medicine.
People can leave their homes once a day for exercise, and if they are providing essential care.
You can leave your home for medical reasons, or to escape the risk of harm.
You can also travel to and from work, but only if you absolutely cannot work from home.
People can also leave their homes to attend funerals, access critical public services such as childcare or education, and fulfil legal obligations.
Children are allowed to move between households of their separated parents.
When you leave the house, it is important everyone adheres to the current social distancing guidelines.
The Government advises you stay at least two metres apart at all times from people who are not members of your household.