Tier 3 travel rules explained
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GO BETWEEN HULL AND THE EAST RIDING?
THE national lockdown has not been much fun, but at least we all know where we have stood.
But from yesterday the Tier system will be reintroduced, which inevitably sparks some confusion.
Hull and the East Riding will be placed in Tier 3 and will be subject to the toughest restrictions.
While the tier system will take us closer to normality with the reopening of non-essential shops, hairdressers, tattoo parlours and organised sport, our lives will still be limited.
The biggest difference between Tier 3 and Tier 2 is that bars, pubs and restaurants can reopen in Tier 2 - as long as anyone attending is having a “substantial meal”, and adheres to Covid-safe guidelines.
But, in Tier 3, pubs and restaurants remain closed - unless they are selling takeaway food and drink. Leisure facilities, such as cinemas and bowling alleys can also reopen in Tier 2, but not in Tier 3.
The Government’s new also do not allow people tier laws living in
Tier 3 to go to Tier 2, unless their journey is for work purposes, or otherwise essential.
That means people living in Hull or the East Riding cannot travel outside of their area to go to a pub or a restaurant for a meal.
The principle is that someone living in a Tier 3 area takes their Tier 3 status with them when they go outside their area.
You can only travel between tiers for essential reasons, such as work, medical treatment or education.
Many will assume there is no issue travelling between Hull and the East Riding but, while they are in the same tier they are different areas.
If you look at the official Government guidance it really is not that clear if travelling between areas in the same tier is allowed.
It says: “You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.”
That all sounds good. We can travel where we like within reason.
But the very next paragraph says: “Avoid travelling outside of your area, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.
“You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.”
Suddenly you question where a trip out to the East Riding countryside for a walk is permitted or where a trip from Hessle or Cottingham to Hull for some Christmas shopping is allowed.
It seems crazy but, if there is one thing we have learnt from the tier system, it is full of what appears to be anomalies and inconsistencies.
The Mail approached Hull City Council’s director of public health Julia Weldon to help clarify.
“The government has provided comprehensive guidance on the rules people must adhere to within the respective local tiers,” she said.
“However, it is understandable as the situation has been changing so quickly that people may feel unsure about some of the rules.
“In Tier 3, the guidance is clear that while travel to amenities or venues which are open is permitted, we must all make as few journeys as possible and should avoid travelling to other areas unless necessary – for example for work, education, health care or for caring responsibilities.”
But Mrs Weldon suggests there is scope to make sensible choices so long as we are all careful.
“There is an expectation that all of us follow the rules, but use our own judgement over to some extent,” she said.
“With shopping, this might include planning ahead – making just one trip, outside of busy times if possible, and shopping online where possible. Many local businesses have been very responsive in developing or expanding an
online offer. Fundamentally, if we all reduce our movements and interactions as much as possible, the risk of spreading the virus is reduced.
“We should think of guidance as a speed limit – it is the maximum we can do, but the maximum is not always the safest and it is up to us to decide what carries the least risk for ourselves and others.”