England has today (5/1) headed into a third national lockdown which means that lots of businesses and organisations have closed.
Similar to when Milton Keynes was in Tier 4, only shops that are deemed essential can stay open.
It has been confirmed that garden centres, such as Dobbies and Frosts, can continue trading and that non-essential retail, such as toy shops and electronics stores, can operate so long as they offer click and collect or delivery services only.
Supermarkets, places of worship, banks, post offices, and laundrettes, to name a few remain open. Click here for the full list.
Exercise outdoors is permitted once a day; this can be with your household (support bubble), or one person from another household. Residents should not travel outside of their local area, but can travel a short distance for outdoor exercise - to an open space, for example.
Since yesterday's announcement, there has been confusion surrounding the use of playgrounds and outdoor gyms, as during the first lockdown in March 2020 the Government banned people from using them.
Playgrounds will remain open across the city, and The Parks Trust, which is responsible for over 6,000 acres of green space in Milton Keynes, says that social distancing should apply.
However, outdoor gyms owned by The Parks Trust in Milton Keynes will be closed until further notice.
Those who wish to use playgrounds in the parks across Milton Keynes should follow the latest guidance, provided by The Parks Trust:
- All equipment should be used at your own risk. Please supervise children and others in your care.
- Research has found that Coronavirus can survive for several days on hard surfaces. However the risk is generally reduced (but not removed) as surfaces are exposed to UV light & rain.
- Follow the government’s social distancing guidelines and do not use the equipment if this cannot be maintained. In particular be aware of pieces of equipment where others may also be using them.
- Please remember to bring your own hand sanitiser with you and to sanitise your hands before and after using the equipment. Pay particular attention to ensure children remember to do this.
- Remember not to touch your face and to cough and sneeze into a tissue or arm.
- Refrain from consumption of food or drink on equipment or in playground areas.
- As always, remember to dispose of all litter, including any protective wear and take your litter home if no bin provided.
- If you or anyone in your household are showing any symptoms of Coronavirus, please do not use the equipment and follow the Government's advice to self-isolate.
