Five lockdown rules that could change as Government discusses tougher Covid-19 measures

As England enters its second week of national lockdown, discussions within the government have been ongoing whether the rules are strict enough to curb the current spike in Covid-19 cases.
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Earlier today, Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi raised concerns that people have been flexing lockdown rules in supermarkets and exercising amid suggestions the restrictions may need to be tightened.

Although it was previously said that the current lockdown imposed across the country would continue until February 15, reports are now suggesting this will likely be extended.

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But what are the new rules likely to be and how will they affect the people's daily routine, which has already been subjected to tough restrictions?

A homeless person sleeps in the doorway of a closed-down Poundland store in York, north west England on January 6, 2021, on the second day of Britain's national lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. - England went back into full lockdown as Europe battled Wednesday to stem a rising tide of coronavirus cases, and the United States logged its worst daily death toll of the pandemic. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)A homeless person sleeps in the doorway of a closed-down Poundland store in York, north west England on January 6, 2021, on the second day of Britain's national lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. - England went back into full lockdown as Europe battled Wednesday to stem a rising tide of coronavirus cases, and the United States logged its worst daily death toll of the pandemic. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
A homeless person sleeps in the doorway of a closed-down Poundland store in York, north west England on January 6, 2021, on the second day of Britain's national lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. - England went back into full lockdown as Europe battled Wednesday to stem a rising tide of coronavirus cases, and the United States logged its worst daily death toll of the pandemic. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Supermarkets

There could now be a limited number of customers allowed inside a supermarket over fears it could become a hotspot for the virus.

This means, long queues outside supermarkets are expected to return as fresh checks on safety policies and possible fines for those flouting the rules will be in force.

Mr Zahawi said the Government wants to make sure people follow the one-way system and wear masks and face coverings.

Face masks

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The Sun has reported that wearing face masks could be made mandatory in busy outdoor areas as part of the stricter coronavirus measures.

According to reports, face coverings need to be worn at workplaces and shop queues in a bid to improve compliance with the current rules.

The existing guideline for workplaces states that face coverings must be worn by retail, leisure and hospitality staff working in any indoor area that is open to the public and where they're likely to come into contact with a member of the public.

But this could change with the prospect of the tighter lockdown restrictions.

Places of worship

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Although places of worship remain unaffected under the new tougher lockdown rules, there have been suggestions that they need to be shut altogether.

Former WHO director Anthony Costellow said only 'a total clampdown' could succeed in stopping the mutant strain of coronavirus.

Despite the latest lockdowns, places of worship are staying open for communal services in some parts of the UK - but they need to adhere to strict safety measures.

But London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has ordered places of worship to close in London over the surge in coronavirus cases in the city, said the whole nation should follow suit because of the risks the virus brings.

Exercise

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Current lockdown rules say that exercise with one member of another household is allowed but this should be limited to once a day and performed locally.

However, The Telegraph reported that the Government was considering scrapping the exemption as the allowance was being used for other purposes such as "people go for a coffee in the park with their friends".

It is reported that the Government may review the rule to make it stricter.

Nurseries

Schools are currently closed until at least February with only vulnerable children and those of key workers allowed to attend but nurseries have been allowed to remain open.

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But there have been calls for stricter rules that force nurseries to close.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the Government is now in talks with scientists and there is a possibility of shutting down the nursery schools.