Archive: This is a summary of England’s second national lockdown in 2020, not current guidance. For current health information, see the NHS COVID-19 page.

On 31 October 2020, the government announced national restrictions for England beginning on 5 November. The lockdown ended on 2 December, when regional tiers returned.

Restrictions in November 2020

People were required to stay at home except for permitted reasons, including education, work that could not be done from home, medical needs, essential shopping, care and outdoor exercise or recreation. Support bubbles and arrangements for children to move between separated parents’ homes continued under the rules.

Non-essential shops and many leisure and entertainment venues closed; essential shops and supermarkets remained open. Restaurants, bars and pubs could offer takeaway or delivery, with restrictions. Schools, colleges, universities and early-years settings remained open. The rules included exceptions and changed over time.

Holidays away from home were not permitted under the announced restrictions. Travel within the UK and abroad was restricted, with exceptions including work, education and other permitted reasons; it was not limited to work alone.

Furlough support

On 31 October, the Treasury announced an extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. At that point the government said it would cover 80% of wages for hours not worked, up to £2,500 a month for full-time furlough, with the cap adjusted for flexible furlough. The scheme was later extended further and ended on 30 September 2021.