Boris Johnson has announced a new national lockdown for England following a rise in coronavirus cases.
The Prime Minister addressed the nation this evening (Monday January 4) and explained that the UK's chief medical officer has increased the country's alert level from 4 to 5.
It means there are key changes to where we can and cannot travel in comparison to Tiers 3 and 4.
Essential travel is still allowed with only a number of key reasons why people are allowed to leave their homes.
Local travel rules
Mr Johnson said that people are only allowed to travel in these circumstances:
- Working if you cannot work from home
- Volunteering
- Essential activities - this includes buying things at shops or using services and doing the same thing on behalf of elderly or disabled people
- Education or healthcare
- Informal childcare if you are travelling to drop a child off with someone in your support bubble
- Animal welfare such as attending the vets for treatment.
- Funerals and weddings
- Exercise - you are permitted to travel short distances for exercise if necessary
People have been advised to stay within their local area if they do have to travel and to walk or cycle where possible.
Avoid car sharing with anyone outside your household and public transport where possible.
International travel rules
You can only travel internationally – or within the UK – where you first have a permitted reason to leave home like those above.
In addition, you should consider the public health advice in the country you are visiting.
If you do need to travel overseas (and are legally permitted to do so,for example, because it is for work), even if you are returning to a place you've visited before, you should look at the rules in place at your destination.
UK residents currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, you should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning.
If you are visiting the UK you may return home but should check the rules in the country you are travelling to.
Staying overnight
You cannot leave your home or the place where you are living for holidays or overnight stays unless you have a reasonable excuse for doing so. This means that holidays in the UK and abroad are not allowed.
This includes staying in a second home or caravan, if that is not your primary residence. This also includes staying with anyone who you don’t live with unless they’re in your support bubble.
You are allowed to stay overnight away from your home if you:
- Are visiting your support bubble
- Are unable to return to your main residence
- Need accommodation while moving house
- Need accommodation to attend a funeral or related commemorative event
- Require accommodation for work purposes or to provide voluntary services
- Are a child requiring accommodation for school or care
- Are homeless, seeking asylum, a vulnerable person seeking refuge, or if escaping harm (including domestic abuse)
- Are an elite athlete or their support staff or parent
If you are already on holiday, you should return to your home as soon as possible.
