England is currently in another national lockdown, but many people are already looking forward to what happens when lockdown ends on December 2.
The government has confirmed the current plan is to go back to the Tier system following the national lockdown, but so far hasn't said what Tier will be in force where.
When the Tier system was first introduced Liverpool was the first area to go into Tier 3 - the highest Tier with the most restrictive measures, as cases rocketed in the city.
Under Tier 3 pubs and bars were closed and people were banned from meeting people in any indoor setting, alongside other restrictions.
But Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has told the ECHO he hopes that when lockdown ends Liverpool may go into Tier 2, thanks to the mass testing that has taken place in the city.
With this in mind we decided to take a look at what being in Tier 2, instead of Tier 3 would mean.
What does Tier 2 mean?
Tier 2 is also known as the High Alert level.
Before the national lockdown those areas in Tier 2 still had restrictive measures in place.
These included:
- People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place such as bars and restaurants
- People can mix with other households in groups of six outside such as in gardens, outdoor hospitality and parks.
- People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport
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Schools, universities and places of worship remain open.
What does Tier 3 mean?
Tier 3 is also known as the Very High Alert level.
People living in these areas were placed under the most stringent measures.
In Tier three the following was in place:
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People are not allowed to meet another household (apart from their support bubble) in any indoor setting, private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events.
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People can still meet in groups of six in outdoor public spaces, such as parks, beaches, public gardens or sports venues.
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Bars forced to close and pubs only allowed to remain open and serve alcohol if people had it with a "substantial meal".
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Schools and universities remain open.
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Places of worship remain open but household mixing is not permitted.
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Weddings and funerals could still go ahead, but wedding receptions are not allowed.
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Travelling outside a very high alert level area or entering a very high alert level area should be avoided other than for things such as work, education or youth services, to meet caring responsibilities or if travelling through as part of a longer journey.
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Residents of a tier 3 area should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, while people who live in a tier 1 or tier 2 area should avoid staying overnight in a very high alert level area.
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What are the differences between Tier 2 and Tier 3?
Both Tiers are still restrictive and have strict measures, but there are key differences between them.
In Tier 2 households are able to mix in gardens and in outdoor hospitality, whereas in Tier 3 this is forbidden.
In Tier 2 bars, pubs and restaurants all remain open, but you can only visit them with your household - unless you sit outside.
People in Tier 2 are allowed to leave the area and can stay overnight in other parts of the UK, with their own household.
Wedding receptions are also allowed in Tier 2, whereas they are not in Tier 3.
In Liverpool under Tier 3 pubs, bars, betting shops, casinos and adult gaming centres were all forced to close, but in Tier 2 they would likely remain open.
