All you need to know after Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant come

PORTSMOUTH, Gosport and Havant have been moved up to the newly announced tier four.

The strict rules came into force at 12.01am yesterday.

Here is what the regulations mean for residents:

In a nutshell, what does being in Tier 4 mean?

You must stay at home and only leave for a specific purpose or if you have a ‘reasonable excuse’.

Is this just another lockdown?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has not used that term, but described the Tier 4 restrictions as ‘broadly equivalent’ to the national restrictions put in place across England in November.

Who am I allowed to meet up with?

The rules are strict: you cannot meet other people indoors unless you live with them or they are part of your existing support bubble.

Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household in a public place.

Are support and childcare bubbles still allowed?

Yes, these can continue in Tier 4 areas.

Early years settings and childminders can remain open as normal, while nannies are also allowed to carry on providing services, including in the home.

Do the Tier 4 restrictions apply over Christmas too?

The limitations on meeting people will still apply over the festive period in Tier 4, meaning you will not be able to join or form Christmas bubbles.

Can I still do some last minute Christmas shopping?

Your options are going to be limited. In Tier 4 non-essential retail must close, including clothing and homeware stores, betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods and mobile phone shops.

However, these stores can continue to operate click-and-collect systems, if goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises, and delivery services.

Can I still get out for some exercise?

Yes. You are allowed to take unlimited exercise alone, or in a public outdoor place with your household, support bubble, or one other person.

Indoor leisure and sports facilities, including gyms, must close.

But I’m not able to leave a Tier 4 area?

Within a Tier 4 area people can only leave home for work, education or the limited number of other legally permitted reasons.

Residents are encouraged to keep their travel local, reduce their number of journeys and avoid leaving their village, town or city area.