New national lockdown – effective immediately

The measures come as a response to rising Covid-19 cases throughout the country, and replace the previous tiered restriction system. The English government has said it hopes that the measures will be eased in March 2021, but has not provided a concrete date, so the lockdown is in place until further notice.

We have created guidance about what this means for people in shared living – Shared Lives carers and those they support, and Homesharers and Householders. In England, you must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:

• shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
• go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
• exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
• meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
• seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
• attend education or childcare – for those eligible

English government guidance explores fully the do’s and dont’s here.  Scotland has moved from level 4 into a full lockdown too (with the exceptions of some islands which remain in level 3) and the list of reasonable excuses to leave your home are available in full here. Wales remains at level 4 alert, and the guidance for what you can and can’t do can be read here.

Social care provision will not be affected except that Shared Lives carers, people supported in Shared Lives, Householders and Homesharers must adhere to the lockdown restrictions. People in  England, Scotland and Wales have a right to have their assessed care needs met by their local authority, regardless of changes to government lockdown policies.