Stay local to stay safe

Following the announcement on Monday 4 January, the latest national restrictions ask people in England to stay local to prevent the spread of the new variant of COVID -19.

You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave home to:

• shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
• go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
• exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
• meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
• seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
• attend education or childcare – for those eligible

If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local in the village, town, or part of the city where you live. You may leave your local area for a legally permitted reason, such as for work.

You can find the full guidance for the national restrictions on the government website.

Whilst we are disappointed to be closing our doors again, we fully support the further measures being taken to halt the advance of COVID-19 and urge all our friends and followers including locals, visitors. residents and businesses to continue to follow official government advice. There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other:

• Wash hands
• Cover face
• Make space

As before Visit Winchester is here for you virtually – so for now you can enjoy our city and its surrounding countryside from the comfort of your own home. We will be bringing you details of businesses that are offering takeaways, online shopping and deliveries to support you during the next few weeks.

Let us be your virtual travelling buddy, providing you with inspirational stories of our local heroes – past and present; offering educational ideas for those families isolating to help keep the kids entertained and educated; and embarking on virtual tours of museums, art galleries and hidden gems – the perfect getaway for a self-isolator.

Stay connected by following ‘King Alf’s’ Visit Winchester social media accounts so we can share stories of our city and district. If you have the option to postpone and rebook, we will still be here to offer you our warm Winchester welcome you once it is safe to do so.

We thank you for your understanding and support in these uncertain times. Our thoughts are with those in our community and beyond who are affected by COVID-19.

To stay up to date with UK Government advice on coronavirus visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

See the latest NHS guidance on coronavirus for the current situation in the UK and abroad https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Last updated: 5 January 2021.