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25 June 2020 / Peter Thompson KC
Issue: 7892 / Categories: Opinion , Covid-19 , Human rights
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COVID-19: Lockdown lovers

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23164
Lockdown laws from a loving perspective, by Peter Thompson QC

COVID-19 has brought death and despair. We cannot see an end but we have been offered hope in the form of restrictions on our activities which ought, if the scientists are right, to improve our chances of survival. Yes, but what are the restrictions and what do they mean for you and me?

Lockdown law

First, the black letter law. Although the Secretary of State has been empowered by the Coronavirus Act 2020 to issue directions relating to events, gatherings and premises (s 52 and Sch 22), the main restrictions on our activities have been imposed, as of 26 March 2020, by regulations made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. The controlling instrument for England is the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, (SI 2020/350) and a similar instrument regulates activities in Wales. Both have been amended several times and for England the most significant amendments are in the Amendment No 3 regulations (SI 2020/558), which came into force on 1 June.

Dramatic restrictions have included

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