Stone went into Tier 2 this morning, however, tonights PM announcement trumps these restrictions as England moves to a month-long lockdown from next week.
Stone, as part of Staffordshire, moved to Tier 2 (High Alert) restrictions at 1 minute past midnight today, however, the Government announced this evening that there will be an England wide lockdown that supersedes this beginning next week.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as devolved nations have their own restrictions, the changes announced today relate to England only.
Key points of what the lockdown means:
- The lockdown comes into effect at 1 minute past midnight on Thursday 5th November.
- The lockdown will end on Wednesday 2nd December
- Schools, college, universities, childcare and nursuries will remain OPEN
- Hospitality businesses such as pubs, cafes and restaurants will be CLOSED for in house consumption, however, takeaway and delivery still remain OPEN
- Where possible people should work from home
- Workplaces will remain open where people can’t work from home, such as construction
- Supermarkets and shops selling essential supplies remain OPEN
- Non-essential shops are to CLOSE
- You should stay at home unless heading out for work, essential shopping, exercise, attending a medical appointment or to provide care for vulnerable people or to volunteer
- Furlough Scheme that was due to end today will be extended until December
- Support bubbles remain
- Medically vulnerable people should minimise contact with others
- Tiers will return at the end of the lockdown period
- Christmas will be different but the hope is to allow families back together
- Test, Track and Trace – fast turnaround tests to be ramped up.
Stone Helpline
The Stone Helpline is available for people who need support during the current Covid-19 pandemic. You can call the helpline between 8am and 6pm – 7 days a week and our volunteers are there to help with things like shopping, prescription collection as well as wellbeing phone calls if people want someone to talk to. The phone number is 0333 230 0112 and is funded by Stone Town Council and ran by a team of volunteers.
