Rules we all must follow as we head into Tier 2 lockdown
WE WILL ALL FACE MORE RESTRICTIONS
HULL and the East Riding will be heading into Tier 2 this weekend, which means we will all face more restrictions.
Both Hull City and East Riding councils confirmed yesterday the new rules will come into force from 12.01am on Saturday as coronavirus soar.
It comes after agreement was reached between council leaders, partner organisations in the local health sector and the Government over the new measures coming into force.
The region had been clinging onto Tier 1 status – medium risk – which involved following the national guidelines.
This meant pubs closed at 10pm and people could meet in groups of no more than six outside the same household, meaning life went on with a degree of normality.
But now we are moving to Tier 2 - meaning high risk - as coronavirus cases soar, hospital admissions increase and, sadly, further deaths are announced.
Moving into Tier 2 will see more restrictions placed on us but it will still be a long way short of the disabling effect of the full, national lockdown we experienced in March.
People living in Tier 3 areas are advised against overnight stays in other parts of the UK and should avoid travel where possible in and out of the area, unless it is for work, education or caring responsibilities.
Number 10 confirmed that, under Tier 2 and 3 rules on household mixing, people can still meet up for work meetings indoors under certain circumstances.
There is also talk of introducing a Tier 4, which could mean restaurants and non-essential retail such as clothes shops being forced to close.
The current Tier system does not allow for the closure of schools, so “local circuit breaker” lockdowns are also reportedly being considered for areas where Tier 3 restrictions have failed to bring the virus under control.
A decision could be made by mid-november, when there will be enough data to assess how effective the three tier system has been.
Broad restrictions and guidance under Hull and the East Riding’s current Tier 1 status will remain unchanged, including frequent hand-washing for at least 20 seconds, wearing a face-covering everywhere when required and maintaining a safe distance, as well as isolating and getting tested as required.
People who can work from home will continue to be asked to do so if possible.