Coronavirus (COVID-19)—What are the key differences in regulations and guidance between England’s national lockdowns?

The first lockdown was the period of national lockdown regulations from 26 March 2020 to 4 July 2020.

The second lockdown was the period of national lockdown regulations from 5 November 2020 to 2 December 2020.

The third lockdown began on 6 January 2021 and is expected to last until 8 March 2021 at the earliest.

There are several key regulatory differences from the first lockdown in England to subsequent lockdown restrictions including:

• more businesses are now able to operate including construction, dentistry, waste recycling centres, estate agents and those working in an individual's homes such as cleaners and trades people

• nurseries are permitted to stay open

• elite sports training can continue (but grassroots sports is not permitted)

• places of worship are permitted to remain open

• permitted numbers at funerals has increased from 15 to 30, while weddings are permitted to take place in the most exceptional circumstances, but limited to a gathering of six people

• shops may offer click and collect services (providing that collections are made off premises) and hospitality is permitted to offer takeaway and delivery services (including takeaway alcohol, subject to a curfew of 11 pm)

• fines for those breaching the regulations has increased from £60 to £200 for a first offence, doubling on repeat offences to a maximum of £6,400 (which is an increase from £960). Additionally, for those who hold or are involved in holding an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police now have powers to issues fines of £10,000

For further information on the past and current coronavirus restrictions for licensed premises, see Practice Notes: Coronavirus (COVID-19)—keeping up with restrictions for licensed premises in England and Coronavirus (COVID-19)—keeping up with restrictions for licensed premises [Archived]. For further information on the restrictions amid England’s first lockdown, see: Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Licensing [Archived].

For analysis on the interpretation of the restrictions by the Court of Protection, see News Analysis: Family care and the lockdown regulations—an important (but nuanced) Court of Protection decision (NG (by his litigation friend, the Official Solicitor) v A local authority).