With lockdown three now firmly in place, there are a host of government guidelines that we must follow to keep ourselves, each other and the NHS safe – including staying home as much as possible.
While the new strain of Coronavirus is adding to a spike in cases, there are still some things you can do in the county safely. In this hot list, sponsored by Gloucestershire County Council, SoGlos shares 11 of them.
About the sponsor – Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council is working hard to keep residents in the county as safe as possible during the Coronavirus pandemic – providing the very latest government advice and support.
By following the rules and staying at home as much as possible during lockdown, along with washing hands regularly, wearing a face mask and social distancing, we can all do our bit to keep people in Gloucestershire safe.
For the very latest information, visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/covid-19.
1. Shop for essentials in Gloucestershire
The majority of shops are closed at the moment with just those deemed ‘essential’ remaining open.
You are still able to pop to your local supermarket to pick up groceries, with a select few other businesses also remaining open, including pharmacies, garden centres, building merchants and market stalls.
Stay local and choose to support independent Gloucestershire shops whenever you can.
2. Get a Covid vaccination in Gloucestershire
With the Covid-19 vaccination programme well underway, the government is aiming to have the most vulnerable people vaccinated by Spring 2021.
If you are invited to have a Covid-19 vaccine, you can have your vaccination even during lockdown – whether it will take place at your GP surgery, a vaccination centre or in your home.
3. Exercise in Gloucestershire
Health experts have reminded us that one of the most important things to do in lockdown is to make sure we keep exercising. Whether that’s joining in a Zoom exercise class at home or heading outdoors for a daily walk…
During lockdown three, you are permitted to exercise outdoors once a day with your household, support bubble or – if you are on your own – one other person.
With plenty of beautiful places on our doorsteps, such as parks, nature reserves and some heritage sites and gardens, Gloucestershire residents are reminded to stay in the village, town or part of the city where they live and explore their own neighbourhood green spaces.
4. Get a Covid test in Gloucestershire
If you’re showing symptoms of Covid-19, you are allowed to leave home to get a Covid test. You should book a test at a walk or drive through testing site, or order a home testing kit online.
You and anyone you live with, as well as anyone in your support bubble, must self-isolate until you receive your test results.
5. Visit outdoor playgrounds in Gloucestershire
Outdoor playgrounds in Gloucestershire are still open, so kids in need of some exercise can have a run around in the fresh air.
See 12 of the best children’s playgrounds in Gloucestershire for the perfect place to head with the kids near your home.
6. Care for vulnerable people in Gloucestershire
During lockdown, you are allowed to leave home to provide care for another person – whether that’s to care for an elderly or disabled relative, accompany someone giving birth or, when it’s permitted, visit someone in a care home, hospice or hospital.
Another important reason to leave your house is to avoid harm, so if you are vulnerable yourself, you can leave home to seek help.
7. Volunteer in Gloucestershire
Providing volunteer or charitable services is permitted during lockdown three, so if you’ve been furloughed from your full-time job or just want to give something back during these difficult times, volunteering could be a great way to do it.
It could even be something as simple as looking out for neighbours who may be elderly, vulnerable or shielding.
8. Attend medical appointments in Gloucestershire
Medical appointments can continue to go ahead during the third national lockdown, so you can attend an appointment yourself. There has been some confusion around this, but you can also accompany another person to medical appointments too, if they are in your household or support bubble.
Furthermore, you can also continue to attend a support group you are part of, with up to 15 other people.
9. Take children to school, nursery or childcare in Gloucestershire
If you’re a critical worker, you are still be able to take your children to school – providing they’ve been offered a place. Nurseries and early years provisions will stay open during lockdown too.
Parents who are separated can also continue to transport children between households, so children can still stay with the parent they don’t regularly live with.
10. Move house in Gloucestershire
Moving house can be stressful enough without a national lockdown, but if you’ve planned a move, you’ll be relieved to know it can still go ahead. Although people outside your household or support bubble shouldn’t help unless necessary.
If you’re looking for a new place to live, lettings and estate agents are still working and you are also still able to view properties.
11. Attend a wedding in Gloucestershire
It has been an incredibly hard time for couples hoping to get hitched, but current government guidance states that you are able to attend communal worship and life events – including weddings.
A maximum of six people are currently allowed to attend weddings and celebrate the special day and it must be in exceptional circumstances.
For the very latest information from Gloucestershire County Council, visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/covid-19.
