England has returned to a stricter three-tier system as its second nationwide lockdown of the year has come to an end. It began at midnight on 5 November and finished on 2 December.
Last week, the government announced regional allocations for the stricter three-tier system of local lockdown measures for England to help control the spread of coronavirus.
Now, different parts of the country have once again been split into “medium” (tier 1), “high” (tier 2), or “very high” (tier 3), local coronavirus alert areas, with respective sets of rules depending on the category.
Boris Johnson previously said that the new restrictions will be tougher across all three tiers than those which were implemented in October.
“Without sensible precautions, we would risk the virus escalating into a winter or new year surge,” said Mr Johnson. “While the previous tiers did cut the R-number they were not quite enough to cut it below one.”
So how do you know which tier your area comes under?
How does a three-tier lockdown work?
England has once again been divided into different tiers based on local infection rates, which will dictate the severity of restrictions in each area.
The three alert levels span from the minimum level of restrictions applicable to all of England, including the rule of six and 11pm hospitality curfews, to the most strict measures reserved for the highest level.
Medium Tier (1)– People are expected to follow basic restrictions that are in place across the country, such as the rule of six, an 11pm hospitality curfew and social distancing.
High Tier (2)– All of the rules for medium tier, plus households are banned from mixing indoors but can still mix outside as long as there are six people or fewer.
Very High Tier (3)– People must not have any social contact with anyone outside their household (unless you are a support bubble) indoors but can still meet outdoors in parks and other public spaces in groups of six or fewer. Pubs and bars will be closed unless they can operate as delivery or takeaway services.
Click here for the full list of restrictions in each tier.
How will I know what tier my local area falls under?
London and Liverpool have been placed in tier 2, while Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham will go into tier 3.
If you want to find out what tier your local area falls under there are a number of ways you can check.
There is a postcode search available on the government website, while the NHS Covid 19 app will show which local alert level applies in which area.
You could also refer to a full list of which areas have been allocated to which tiers here.
The government is also providing additional guidance to those who are for clinically, extremely vulnerable.
