People living in Bristol will be advised not to go shopping at Cribbs Causeway from tomorrow (Saturday, December 19) when new coronavirus rules come into force.
From Saturday Bristol and North Somerset will be moving to Tier 2 as coronavirus cases have dropped.
However, neighbouring South Gloucestershire is to be subject to the top Tier 3 restrictions for at least another two weeks, the Government announced yesterday.
This means that, suddenly, this weekend, there will be a border between South Gloucestershire and its surrounding local authorities including Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.
There are communities in the Bristol area that will be divided by these rules, but it also has implications for the wider region as a whole.
For instance, popular shopping area The Mall at Cribbs Causeway will fall under Tier 3 restriction as it is actually in South Gloucestershire.
This means residents in Bristol - and other Tier 2 areas such as Gloucestershire, North Somerset or B & NES - will be advised not to go there to buy last minute Christmas presents as shopping isn't one of the exceptions given by the Government.
The government guidance states that people living in Tier 2 areas should avoid travelling to or staying overnight in Tier 3 areas except when necessary.
Exceptions given by the government include work, education, to receive medical treatment or because of caring responsibilities.
However, people can still use Filton Abbey Wood when travelling as the government guidance states that "you can travel through a Tier 3 area as part of a longer journey".
Last week, the Mall at Cribbs Causeway was criticised for not advertising it was in Tier 3.
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Responding to the criticisms, Deborah Jones centre director at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway said at the time: "Throughout the pandemic we have adhered to government guidelines, and continue to work very closely with all our occupiers and centre team to help visitors shop in a safe and social-distanced environment."
It says on the shopping centre's website: "As a centre, we remain in Tier 3 restrictions and therefore will continue to adhere to government guidance, food outlets will remain open for takeaway or delivery services only.
"We will continue to work with our retailers, centre teams and local authorities to ensure The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is a safe place to visit and work. That includes following the guidance from Public Health England and the Government.
"Along with following our safety measures in place we recommend visiting us outside of peak hours. This could be early mornings after the school run or later in the evening after work."
