Six ways that ‘Lockdown 2’ is different to the first
Despite the deja-vu, it's important to note that things are different this time around in a number of ways. Here're some of the ways in which Lockdown Two varies to the restrictions in March.
Exactly four months ago, everything was beginning to look so much better.
Some pupils had returned to schools. Non-essential shops had begun to reopen. Football had kicked off again. Even pubs and restaurants had resumed serving customers.
But after a flickeringly brief return to a life that somewhat resembled normality, national COVID cases have now spiralled out of control the point where England has been forced to go back into hiding.
The first one lasted over three months. This one is supposed to end in four weeks.
Whether we exit Lockdown 2 on time remains to be seen. But despite the deja-vu, it’s important to note that this lockdown is different in a number of ways.
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1. You can actually meet one other person
When the first lockdown came into force in March, the rules on meeting others were very strict.
The government banned socialising in most circumstances, but over time, exceptions to the rule were introduced – such as ‘bubbles’.
The official guidance this time around is more relaxed. You can actually meet one other person outside your bubble provided you’re outdoors, and you can bring your children along with you.
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The government states: “You can exercise or visit outdoor public places with the people you live with; your support bubble or, when on your own, 1 person from another household. Children under 5, as well as disabled people dependent on round-the-clock care are not counted towards the limit on two people meeting outside.”
Schools, universities and colleges will remain open during Lockdown 2 – unlike back in March when all education facilities were swiftly shut.
The decision to keep schools open has not been without controversy, with many individuals, unions and even Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham asking the government to reconsider and close these premises until December 2.
But as things stand, schools are set to remain operational throughout Lockdown 2 – with COVID safety rules in place and the use of masks in communal areas.
3. Dentists and other health services will stay open
All checkups and scheduled visits to dentists, opticians and other health services were cancelled during the first lockdown – with only emergency appointments available.
This time, however, health facilities are staying open.
The government states: “The majority of public services will continue and you will be able to leave home to visit them. These include the NHS and medical services like GPs and dentists. We are supporting the NHS to safely carry out urgent and non-urgent services and it is vital anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help.”
The most vulnerable people in England were told to ‘shield’ during the last lockdown – staying away from public places as much as possible whilst receiving extra support at home.
However, the government has confirmed it will not be encouraging people to shield in the same way during Lockdown 2.
Instead, the most vulnerable are being told to exercise caution – and whilst they are still advised to avoid busy public places like shops, they can exercise and go to schools.
5. Travel rules are slightly different
The government is discouraging all but essential trips around Britain and abroad, but there are a few subtle differences this time around.
For starters, anyone already abroad is not being urged to return home immediately, but should contact their carrier to determine travel arrangements. A 14-day self-isolation period may be required upon arrival, depending on where they’re travelling from.
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The full list of travel exemptions this time around includes:
travelling to work where this cannot be done from home
travelling to education and for caring responsibilities
to visit those in your support bubble – or your childcare bubble for childcare
hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health
to buy goods or services from premises that are open, including essential retail
to spend time or exercise outdoors – this should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel to do so if necessary (for example, to access an open space)
attending the care and exercise of a pet, or veterinary services
6. You can exercise as much as you like
In spring, the government declared that nobody should be leaving their house on more than one occasion to exercise.
That’s not the case this time.
Indeed, people are being encouraged to exercise as often as they like – provided they maintain their distance from others when outdoors.
Learn more about the restrictions coming into force today here.
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Man United broadcaster FlexUTD responds after suffering ‘awful’ racist abuse on camera
Danny Jones
Manchester United content creator, YouTuber and digital presenter, FlexUTD, has shared a disappointed but defiant response following a racist incident captured during a video after the game this weekend.
Flex – real name Flex Alexander – is a familiar face among Man United fans and a well-known personality across the online English football culture, having previously worked with another popular fan channel in The United Stand before founding his own brand, United View.
Whilst recording his regular post-match analysis outside Old Trafford after the 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday, the social media influencer was interrupted by a woman and fellow United supporter.
After seemingly giving someone a quick shout-out, she then proceeds to wander out of frame before appearing to utter a racial slur off-camera in the form of an offensive twist on the fan base’s famous anti-Glazer chant.
In the video shared to the official YouTube channel, he is visibly stunned by the racist outburst and members of the crew behind the camera can also be heard asking, “Did you just see what I think you said?”, adding “There’s always one or two.”
The identity of the female United fan is still unknown and although her face remains blurred for legal reasons, Flex himself did come out on social media to ask people to “find this woman” in order for the club to identify her and the authorities to punish her accordingly.
Still taken aback by the racial slur, Flex simply goes on to describe the off-hand abuse as “crazy” before insisting that the moment will be staying the full edit so as not to let the incident go unnoticed.
Ever since the video was released, other Reds, football fans and content creators alike have been sharing their support online.
One person wrote, “It’s 2024 and we’re still seeing people saying racist things and they think they can get away with it. Hope Flex gets justice for this.”, while another tagged the club and added: “Can’t be having these type of fans enter the stadium.”
Flex has since responded online in a separate video, thanking people for their heartfelt messages, but despite assuring that he has a “thick skin”, he quite rightly went on to add that people of colour shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of intolerable behaviour and he is simply “tired”.
Disgraceful. Hope your ok @FlexUTD we are all united together ❤️
Retired striker and former United coach Benni McCarthy also reached out online to offer some kind words, writing: “Hi mate, hope you [are] ok. That was absolutely unnecessary and you shouldn’t have to deal with such behaviour. Stay strong bro and behind you all the way.”
The club themselves are yet to issue a statement regarding the incident but with both current players and former staff responding, it likely won’t be long before the individual is identified and issued with a ban. United had to deal with similar incidents regarding racism and homophobia last season.
It goes without saying that we condemn discrimination in all its forms; our thoughts go out to Flex and everyone else affected by the incident and hope the incident is dealt with swiftly. The beautiful game is for everyone and there’s no room for racism in any walk of life. #KickItOut.
You can watch Flex’s full video addressing the situation, in which he urged people to “stay strong, keep fighting” and “stick together”, down below:
FlexUTD’s full response following the appalling racist incident on 4/11/2024.
Featured Images — United We Stand (via YouTube)/FlexUTD (via X)
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Family pays tribute to ‘big family man’ found dead 10 days after going missing
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who was found dead in Wigan 10 days after he was reported missing have now paid a touching tribute to him.
David Edmonds, 55, has been described by his loved ones as a ‘big family man’ who loved sports, travel and his family.
David had been missing for nine days after last being seen in the Bodmin Drive area of Platt Bridge at around 11pm on Sunday 20 October.
Tragically after extensive searches, on Wednesday 30 October police found a body, later confirmed as David.
His wife has now released a statement on behalf of his family, describing him as a ‘happy chap’ who was well-loved by his family, friends and colleagues.
She said: “He was a hard worker and worked all his life. His first job was with his father at a local factory, and he worked there from a young age up until recently.
“He was a big Everton supporter and loved going to the matches. He held season tickets since he was a child. David liked all sports and watching anything with a ball, cricket, football, and rugby, especially Wigan rugby.
“He also liked horse racing; we would go to the races in York every year.
“He loved going on holiday and we travelled a lot together, we went to Australia, New York, Tenerife, and Benidorm.
“David was a big family man and adored his three nephews. He will be missed by all of us, he was so loved.
“We would like to thank the police and everyone who shared appeals on social media or went out searching for David.”
David’s family have asked for privacy whilst they grieve his loss.