A third national lockdown and been announced following a rapid rise in infections, hospital admissions and case rates across the country.
The Prime Minister has instructed people to once again stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
The recent rise in cases has been attributed to the new variant of COVID-19, which scientists say is between 50 to 70 per cent more transmissible.
Hospitals are now under more pressure than they have been at any other point throughout the pandemic.
From Tuesday 5th January, people will only be allowed to leave their homes for the following reasons:
To shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person.
go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home.
exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one.
seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse).
attend education or childcare - for those eligible.
All primary schools, secondary schools and colleges will move to remote learning, except for the children of key workers and vulnerable children.
The restrictions are expected to last until the middle of February if the situation in hospitals improves.