Here are the rules on travel during Lockdown 2 - from catching a bus to journeys abroad

We are once again being told to “stay at home” – but what does it mean if you need to make a journey?
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The rules which come in from Thursday, November 5, and run until Wednesday, December 2, state we should not leave or be outside our house except for specific reasons.

These include for childcare or education when lessons are not online, for employment, to exercise outdoors or visit somewhere outside – with rules guiding who we can be with – or for medical appointments and emergencies, including domestic abuse.

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We will also be able to shop for basic necessities, while we’ll also still be allowed to visit those in our support bubble and provide care for those who are vulnerable or as a volunteer.

New rules over essential travel will come into force from Thursday, October 5.New rules over essential travel will come into force from Thursday, October 5.
New rules over essential travel will come into force from Thursday, October 5.

What does the Government class as essential travel?

The rules state: “You should avoid all non-essential travel by private or public transport” but here is more about what that means.

Guidance says essential travel includes, but is not limited to:

*essential shopping

*travelling to work where your workplace is open or you cannot work from home, also covering jobs involving going inside someone else’s home

*education and for caring responsibilities

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*medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health.

It adds people should walk or cycle where possible and to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

Travel a necessity for some roles

It says anyone who works in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing they should continue to travel to work, as should public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings.

It says: “This is essential to keeping the country operating and supporting vital sectors and employers.”

What about going away?

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Overnight stays and holidays away from people’s homes will not be allowed – and that includes holidays in the UK and abroad – unless it is for work.

It also covers any second home or staying with anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with.

If I do need to travel for work, where can I stay?

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions – these are due to be set out in law.

Feeling ill? Don’t leave home

The guidance states you must not travel if experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, are self-isolating, sharing a household or support bubble with somebody with symptoms, or told to self-isolate after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

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It adds: “If you need to use public transport, you should follow the safer travel guidance.

"This includes the rules on wearing face masks and advice on car sharing.”

Is overseas travel banned too?

The Government says international travel is out of bounds – except under one condition.

"No travel is risk-free,” it warns, adding: “If you do need to travel abroad before Wednesday, December 2, and are legally permitted to do so, for example, because it is for work, even if you are returning to a place you’ve visited before, you should look at the rules in place at your destination, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and the current travel corridor list.

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