Somerset – with the rest of England – is now in national lockdown following the government’s announcement last night.

The message is simple: you must stay at home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

You must not leave or be outside your home except where necessary. You may leave home 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 allowed to form one
• seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including fleeing from domestic abuse)
• attend education or childcare – for those eligible

Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of key workers such as those working in health and social care. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early Years settings, for example nurseries, can remain open.

The rules apply to those who are fit and well. Separate guidance has been issued for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

National Lockdown Government Advice