The third national lockdown, which has been in force since the start of the year, has been eased slightly today (Monday) – but what can you do now that you couldn’t do yesterday?
As part of Boris Johnson’s roadmap, the first changes to the lockdown restrictions have come into force this morning. This sees the re-opening of schools and relaxation on social contact, albeit slightly.
The restrictions imposed on everyday life are still quite tight but will be eased further on 29th March. It’s on the 29th that friends and family will once again be able to meet outside in gardens and public places. On this date the Stay at Home message will be dropped.
Simon Bryant, director of Public Health on the Isle of Wight, says that despite falling rates of infection the situation is still ‘very serious’. Locally, the 7-day rate per 100,000 has plummeted to just 11.3. Just 2 months ago that figure was 1,187.1.
What you can do from 8th March 2021
Education
All schools and colleges have reopened to all pupils this morning. However, secondary school students must complete a COVID test before returning to the classroom. They will then be required to complete lateral flow tests twice a week for the first 3 tests before then conducting these tests at home.
Students and teachers in secondary schools must wear face masks when social distancing cannot be maintained and staff in both primary and secondary schools are to be tested twice a week.
After school clubs and breakfast clubs can now resume, helping enable parents to work.
Universities are also re-opening for students who need to complete practical courses.
Social Contact
Islanders can now leave the home for recreation purposes as well as exercise. This can be with your own household or 1 other person in an outdoor public place, such as a park or the beach. You cannot mix with others outside of your own household indoors.
Care home residents can now nominate 1 named visitor
Travel
You must still ‘stay at home’ until 29th March, meaning you cannot travel to or from the Island. You cannot leave your home for non-essential reasons and you cannot go on holiday in the UK or abroad.
Weddings and funerals
Funerals are permitted to take place with up to 30 mourners, but the wake is limited to just 6 people.
Weddings and similar ceremonies (such as civil partnerships) can take place with just 6 people – the bride and groom, the registrar and 3 others.
Yipee!! I’m now legal.
Don’t get excited people we’ll be back in lockdown before you know it again
What you can’t do is to go into the local pharmacy with three children and no mask on yourself. Four covid spreading units in the place where there are people who are at a greater risk of having a bad time with covid !
Incredible!