Lockdown…again. What does it mean for our clients?

Lockdown 2, Lockdown – The Sequel, call it what you will but it’s here until December 2nd 2020.

Many businesses will be forced to shut, people will again be urged to stay at home and social mixing will in effect be banned and on hold.

Whilst the changes will affect many businesses, here at Wilson Browne Solicitors there is in real terms, no change.

As a provider of legal services we remain open and are here to serve the needs of our clients:

• We’re still here

• We’re open

• We can help

We will continue to see people by appointment in a COVID Secure environment (don’t forget your mask please!) as well as offering” Zoom” or “Microsoft Teams” video calls and, of course, telephone appointments.

Most work can be done “remotely” with no need for face-to-face meetings but as stated, we can accommodate that where necessary.

Other key changes:

Children can go to school 

Schools remain open this time, along with nurseries, colleges and universities.

Last time around the whole of the UK locked down. But tomorrow’s changes only apply to England. Wales and Northern Ireland have their own ‘firebreak’ and ‘circuit-break’ versions of  lockdowns and Scotland has a new 5 tier system in place.

You can exercise with one other person outside your household

In March, we were allowed to leave our homes once a day to exercise, but this time it is unlimited.

Places of worship will be partially open 

Like last time, places of worship, including churches, mosques, synagogues and other venues, will be told to close for communal prayer. However, private prayer for individuals will now be allowed.

Retail, Hospitality & Leisure

To all intents and purposes this sector is closed with the exception of takeaway/drive-thru.

No shielding

Shielding will not be officially reinstated for this lockdown. People over 60 and those who are clinically vulnerable should be especially careful about following the guidance and minimising contact with others.