The UK has implemented complete lockdown taking into account the uncontrollable rise in the Coronavirus cases in the country. Even after taking strict measures in the sphere of immigration and travelling, the government has consistently been criticized for its failed post COVID-19 strategy.

People now are only be allowed to leave their home to buy food or medicines or to do work if they’re essential workers.

Also, all non-essential shops, schools, and places of worship are shut down for an unspecified period of time.

According to the Prime Minister, the new guidelines will be enforced by the police, and compliance failure may result in steep fines and penalties. The country has so far reported over 153K positive cases with 20,732 deaths.

The current decision has significantly changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of British People as they are only be allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons.

These essential reasons include:

Going Out to Purchase Food and Medicine Supplies

While the public is allowed to go out to purchase essential grocery items and medicines, the latest rules suggest that these essential trips must be as “infrequent as possible”.

For Work Out

People can go out for exercise once per day. They can either go for a workout alone or can also take their family members along.

Providing Help to the Vulnerable

People having scheduled medical appointments can also leave their homes. Also, they can go out to acquire medical help if they have to care for a vulnerable person.

Essential Work

A person can go out for work only if it is not possible for him or her to carry forward that work from home.

What Are Your Rights in the UK during Lockdown?

When it comes to the UK’s new rigid lockdown policies, sadly not everybody seems to be on the same page. The strict official orders and instructions have left many confused about what is allowed and what is a violation under the lockdown.

The UK Government has already prepared a list of activities that a person can do during a lockdown. As mentioned above, these activities involve going out for food and medicines, for a workout, seeking medical help, and providing assistance to a needy person.

Apart from that, a person can also go out to attend a funeral of a close family member, moving house if it’s essential, and any existing arrangement to facilitate access between distant parents and children. Also, people who’re bound to travel for the purpose of work are allowed to proceed with their traveling plans.

Things You Can’t Do

All Non-Essential Shops and Businesses are closed.

All non-essential shops and businesses will be closed during the lockdown phase. These shops include:

• Clothing, footwear, and electronics stores
• Salons and spas
• Libraries, community centers, and other public places such as parks and playgrounds
• Leisure facilities such as gyms, golf courts, and bowling alleys
• Places of worship
• Campsites, caravan parks, and restaurants should also be avoided

Public Gatherings Should be avoided

People are not allowed to arrange any gathering that violates the rules of social distancing and isolation. However, you can keep your kids or dependable with you if leaving them at home isn’t an option. Also, essential workers can work together only if they minimize meetings and other types of social or business events.

Last but not least, weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, or all types of religious ceremonies should be avoided and canceled on an immediate basis.

The UK Government has approved a new emergency law through the recent Covid-19 bill, enabling the police or law enforcement agencies to implement these latest guidelines.

Police can enforce these new laws and impose a penalty of £60 on citizens who refuse to comply. Noticeably, this fine can be reduced to £30 if you pay this fine within the first two weeks. Also, if a person is found guilty of violating laws on a repetitive basis, they might have to face heftier fines of £120 and £1000.

Non-Essential Travel Should be avoided

The Foreign Office has already advised people to cancel their upcoming travel plans unless they’re extremely essential. Also, a significant change in the application process of different visa categories has been witnessed earlier including fiancé visa UK or the process of citizenship that requires face-to-face correspondence.

The current lockdown is imposed for 3 months initially and could be extended by the government if need be.

Can You Appeal Against Fines?

While the courts are not following through many hearings at the moment, if anyone feels that they have been penalised inappropriately, they can challenge that decision in the court with the help of their lawyer. 

Just like any other country, the UK is also undergoing a difficult phase. Especially, the Covid-19 situation is getting worse day by day. In order to face these challenges, it’s the responsibility of the general public to cooperate with the government and avoid non-essential activities as much as possible.