The new Covid-19 restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on Saturday, and voted on by MPs yesterday, come into force today and will last until Wednesday, December 2nd.

This is similar to the last lockdown, with non-essential businesses shut and people needing a specific reason to leave the home, although there are some important changes, e.g. schools are still open, bubbles still apply and you are permitted to meet outdoors with one person you do not live with whilst abiding by social distancing. I would encourage everyone to check the guidance here – https://www.gov.uk/…/new-national-restrictions-from-5….

I voted in support of this lockdown, as I believe it’s needed to tackle the spread of Covid-19 and save lives. Unlike during the earlier peak, Bristol has been particularly affected. Our Covid rate is over 400 cases per 100,000 people, compared to a national average of 230. (Data here – https://www.bristol.gov.uk/…/covid-19-data-cases…)

There are serious questions to be asked as to why the Government did not act sooner. SAGE recommended a circuit breaker back in September. Unlike Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer listened to the experts and called for a two week circuit breaker over October half-term. The Government’s dithering means we’re now facing a longer lockdown than might have otherwise been needed. The next month will be tough for many of us, but I hope we emerge from it in a better place and ready to enjoy Christmas.