Construction sites and manufacturing businesses in England will be able to stay open during the third national lockdown.
“You can leave home for work purposes where it is unreasonable for you to do your job from home, including (but not limited to) people who work within critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing that require in-person attendance,” the guidance states.
The latest shutdown will force the closure of all non-essential businesses – including indoor and outdoor sports facilities, sports courts, gyms, golf courses, swimming pools, and riding arenas.
Elite sport and disabled sport can, however, continue, as can PE lessons for those children attending school.
The strict rules also mean that people can only leave their home to exercise once per day – but not for the purpose of recreation or leisure. Individuals should also not travel outside their local area.
The guidance will become law at 00.01am Wednesday, 6 January.
The lockdown is expected to last at least until 15 February.
“It is clear that the governments of each home nation continue to face tough and difficult decisions in the fight against COVID-19,” says SAPCA chief executive Chris Trickey.
“The lockdown announced by the Prime Minister on 4 January – along with those announced across the devolved administrations – are a clear indicator of the seriousness of the threat posed by the new, more transmissible variant of coronavirus.
“I’m confident, however, that, having been given the go-ahead to continue with project work, the sports and play construction industry will again quickly adapt to government guidance – just like it did in the spring of 2020 – which will enable it to keep businesses and projects going.
“Our members will also be on hand to help facility operators with any critical maintenance needs and requirements, as sports and play venues are again forced to shut their doors.
“It is clear that we are all facing a new chapter in the fight against COVID-19, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The big difference to the lockdown of March 2020 is that we now have two vaccines, which are gradually being rolled out.
“We will continue to inform our members of the latest government guidance.”
•To read the full government guidance and advice on Lockdown 3, click here.