Left in Tiers
All your questions on Britain’s baffling restrictions answered
selves this Christmas. I’d like to see us make enough progress that we might have a slight relaxation on rules over Christmas, such as extending the rule of six to 10.”
If my area becomes Tier 3, can I travel outside for work?
“Under Tier 3 rules you must avoid non-essential travel. If the purpose of that work trip can’t be achieved from home, it would be essential travel.”
I’m in Tier 3 and have a holiday booked abroad. Can I go?
“You are advised not to leave the area but Government guidance doesn’t say whether it’s illegal and it’s unclear what the penalties are if you do.”
Can Tier 2 households holiday together in a Tier 1 area?
“No, because you are not allowed to mix between households.”
What about moving home and changing households?
You can move house, view, rent and
buy properties even in a Tier 3 area. But Dr Tildesley says: “People moving in with new flatmates move into a new household situation.”
My boyfriend lives with flatmates. Can I still see him?
“If you’re in Tier 1, you can see him provided that, with you, there are no more than six in that house. In Tier 2, you can see him outdoors, unless you and he are part of the same bubble. In Tier 3, you won’t be able to see him.”
If we leave a Tier 2 area for Tier 1 can we socialise indoors?
“No, as the rules you must follow are those from where you live.”
Daily confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK*
How come I need to wear a mask to the toilet but not at table in the pub?
“When you’re at the table you should be sitting with people in your group. When you get up there is the possibility that you might interact with people you haven’t come with.”
I’m in Tier 2. Can I go and stay at my mum’s in Tier 1?
“Unfortunately not, unless your mum is in your support bubble.”
Can you still have workmen in?
Yes, says Dr Tildesley. “Just like during the first lockdown, the work of builders and plumbers counts as essential and will always be allowed.”
In Tier 2, I can go to the gym with others but not friends?
“The point is you can’t have an organised trip to the gym because households can’t mix indoors,” says Dr Tildesley. “Theoretically, you could attend the same class with your friend but not go training with your friend. If you bump into your friend in the gym you should treat it the same as any interaction with anyone else there.”
Why do pubs shut in Tier 3 but restaurants stay open?
“I assume this is more an economic decision, providing protection to the hospitality sector. It might also be that eating establishments are less likely to get the kind of drunken behaviour which helped spread the virus.”
My mum’s in a care home in Tier 3. Can I see her?
Tier 3 rules advise against visiting a except in exceptional circumstances, such as end of life. Dr Tildesley says rules are down to individual homes.
My sister’s wedding is in a Tier 2 area, I’m Tier 3. Can I go?
“No, unless your support bubble.” sister is in your
Can you have sex with someone in a different house if you are in a relationship?
Dr Tildesley says: “A recent change in the law allowed people to have sex with a partner living in a different household. But under the new tier system it’s not clear.”