THE NEW RESTRICTIONS SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED BY THE COUNCILS IN THEIR ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDE:
1. A BAN ON PEOPLE MEETING ANYONE OUTSIDE THEIR HOUSEHOLD OR SUPPORT BUBBLE IN ANY INDOOR SETTING.
This includes both home and indoor public places, such as pubs and restaurants.
2. AN END TO THE CURRENT ‘RULE OF SIX’ IN ALL INDOOR SETTINGS.
3. A LIMIT OF NO MORE THAN SIX PEOPLE MEETING IN A GROUP OUTSIDE, INCLUDING GARDENS AND OTHER OPEN SPACES.
4. PEOPLE SHOULD NOT ATTEND AMATEUR OR PROFESSIONAL SPORTING EVENTS AS SPECTATORS.
In addition, both councils have agreed to encourage people to reduce the number of journeys they make wherever possible and, in particular, avoid busy times and routes on public transport. New messaging asking people to walk or cycle wherever possible will also be deployed. This follows the guidance that travel advice for those living in Tier 2 areas to reduce the number of journeys they take where possible and avoid travel into very high Tier 3 areas.
HOWEVER, SOME AREAS WILL NOT CHANGE. THIS INCLUDES:
Up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings and up to 30 people allowed at funerals, with 15 allowed at receptions and wakes.
• Shops, gyms, all education settings and places
of worship can remain open, with overnight stays
permitted.
• Exercise classes and organised sport can
continue to take place outdoors, but these will
only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not
live with or share a support bubble with.
There are exceptions for supervised activities for under-18s, and disability sport.
• Businesses and venues selling food for
consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.
SHOULD THIS NOT WORK WE COULD MOVE INTO TIER 3 – VERY HIGH RISK. IN THESE AREAS RESTRICTIONS INCLUDE:
• Social mixing being banned both indoors and in private gardens, while pubs and bars must close unless they can operate as a restaurant.
• The rule of six applies in some outdoor
settings such as parks, public gardens and sports courts.
• Local leaders help the Government to
determine whether other venues should be closed, such as gyms or casinos.
• Shops and places of worship can remain open, as can schools and colleges, while universities must reflect wider restrictions with the option to move to greater online provision.
• Up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings and 30 people can attend funerals, with 15 allowed at wakes, but wedding receptions are not permitted.