What are some the new rules for lockdown #2?
‘Can we still do PE if sports groups have been cancelled?’
Yes – as PE is a part of the school curriculum and as schools are still open, PE will still take place within school time.
However, it may be a bit different than normal, with increased social distancing measures in place.
‘Can we still go to our grandma and grandpa’s house?
This is a bit of a complicated one and depends on a few factors.
The government is asking for people to stay at home and not meet indoors with family or friends unless you live with them, or they are in your support bubble. So if your grandma and grandpa are in your bubble, then that’s fine.
If they aren’t, you can still meet with one person from another household outside – at the park for example – as long as you keep social distancing in place.
However, the government has also asked for those who are vulnerable and for those over 60 to follow the rules carefully and to and minimise their contact with others.
‘Are we still allowed to go to after school clubs?’
Yes and no.
Sport and out-of-school clubs (like drama or martial arts for example) will not be taking place – but some clubs used video calling over the spring lockdown and are planning to do the same this time.
As for pre- and after-school cubs, that’s not quite clear yet.
In the new lockdown rules, the government has said: “Parents will still be able to access some registered childcare and other childcare activities (including wraparound care) where reasonably necessary to enable parents to work, or for the purposes of respite care.”
It continues later to say: “Some venues will be allowed to remain open for specific activities, like childcare and support groups.”
‘Will swimming pools be closing?’
Yes – indoor and outdoor leisure facilities. including swimming pools will be closed under the new rules.
To reduce social contact the government has asked for all non-essential venues to close.
Here are some of the other non-essential activity centres that will also be closing: bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery ranges, water and theme parks.
‘I go to a tutor after school. Will I still be able to do that?’
If you visit your tutor’s house, or if you tutor visits your home, then the answer is no.
Under the new lockdown rules, you can’t meet indoors with people who do not live in your household.
Many people have been using online video chatting services to continue their education and stay in touch with others during lockdown.
‘Does that mean the rule of six is now gone?’
Yes – under the new lockdown there are stricter rules about how many people you can met up with.
You must not meet indoors with family or friends unless you live with them, or they are in your support bubble.
A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins up with another household. Households in that support bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit outdoor public places together.
When meeting outside you can be with people you live with, meet people in your support bubble and also meet one person from a different household.
Children who are too young to go to school, and those with disabilities who need extra care, do not count towards this number.
Katie Jayne’s Interesting Facts
For many people, Diwali honours the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The lights and lamps are said to help Lakshmi find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity in the year to come!
It’s also a celebration of good triumphing over evil and different legends based on this theme are associated with Diwali. In Northern India, Hindus celebrate the return of the deities (gods) Rama and Sita to the city of Ayodhya, after defeating the evil king Ravana!
Rangoli is a popular Diwali tradition –– beautiful patterns made using colourful powders and flowers. People draw rangoli on the floor by the entrance of their homes to welcome the gods and bring good luck!
Thought For The Week
Why not arrange to have your firework night on the same evening as your neighbours, you can then share your bonfire night experience over the garden fence, enjoying each others fireworks too.
