As coronavirus cases continue to rocket across Liverpool and the North West the government is reportedly looking to introduce a new three tier system to simplify the confusing lockdown rules.
Large swathes of the North West and North East of England have been placed under local lockdown measures, but the rules are slightly different in different areas, causing confusion.
The government are reportedly looking to introduce the new 'traffic light' system to simplify the measures and ensure it's easier for people to follow the rules in their area.
The system could come into place as early as Monday next week, it has been reported.
The system could involve red, amber and green levels, with different measures for areas in the different levels.
It is understood ministers are seeking to keep schools open under each tier of the new system.
Liverpool currently has one of the highest ratesof coronavirus cases in England, meaning we are very likely to be placed in the most severe category.
Here are the measures that would be introduced under each tier.
Tier three/Red Level
This level may contain tougher measures than any seen so far in local lockdown and would be reserved for areas where measures in level two have proved ineffective.
The measures are believed to include:
-
Closure of hospitality and leisure businesses.
-
No social contact outside your household in any setting.
-
Restrictions on overnight stays away from home.
-
No organised non-professional sports permitted or other communal hobby groups and activities, such as social clubs in community centres.
-
Places of worship can remain open.
Tier Two/Amber Level
Level two may be triggered in areas when there has been a rise in transmission which can't be contained through local responses.
The measures are believed to include:
- People must not meet others outside of their household in private dwellings or gardens, apart from their support bubble, or in pubs, restaurants or other settings.
- Visiting care homes will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances
- Travel should be limited to essential purposes, though holidays are permitted within households.
- People can continue to play organised team sports.
- Weddings are limited to 15 attendees and receptions would not be permitted, with funeral numbers also slashed from 30 to 15 attendees.
Keep up to date with coronavirus cases in your area by adding your postcode below
Tier One/Green Level
Level one is understood to be the base level which currently contains restrictions in place across England.
These measures are:
- The “rule of six” for gatherings indoor and out,
- The wearing of face-coverings,
- The 10pm curfew on hospitality businesses
- Numbers limited to 15 at weddings and 30 at funerals.
