What are the tier 2 restrictions?
Boris Johnson has set out plans for a new three-tier lock down system which means one element of the restrictions in the North East could ease.
The new three-tier system will standardise the restrictions in different areas under three alerts – medium, high and very high.
Presently the North East would fall under the tier two alert level, meaning that the spread of the illness remains ‘high’ and that no households are allowed to mix indoors.
It will also mean that families and friends are able to gather in groups of six in private gardens.
The Prime Minister revealed that talks with North East leaders are ongoing.
Liverpool City Region is classed as “very high” in the new system, meaning bars, pubs and some leisure and entertainment facilities will be forced to close from tomorrow.
Twelve areas are classed as “high”.
They are: Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Warrington, Derbyshire, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North East, Tees Valley, West Midlands, Leicester and Nottingham.
All other areas in England are classified as “medium”.
MPs will debate and vote on the measures today and the new system will come into effect tomorrow.
Yesterday, Mr Johnson said more people are now in hospital with COVID-19 than when the country first went into lockdown on March 23.
So what is the three-tier system? Tier One: Medium The medium alert level will cover most of the country and will consist of the current national measures. This includes the rule of six and the 10pm curfew on the hospitality industry. Tier Two: High All mixing between different households and support bubbles indoors is prohibited. In these areas the rule of six will continue to apply outdoors – where Mr Johnson says it is “harder for the virus to spread in public spaces as well as private gardens”.
Most areas which are already subject to local restrictions, including the North East, will automatically move into the “high” tier.
As a result of rising infection rates, Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak will move into the high level. Tier Three: Very high Social mixing indoors and in private gardens will be prohibited. Pubs and bars will also be closed.
Retail, schools and universities will remain open.
In each area Mr Johnson says the Government will work with leaders on addi ti on al measures which should be taken – including further restrictions on the hospitality, leisure, entertainment and personal care industries.
The Prime Minister says the Government will provide further support and funding to these areas.
There will be no new restrictions in the North East yet, although Mr Johnson says engagement with local leaders is ongoing.
He did not rule out possible further restrictions in the region.
During his speech, he said: “Engagement with other leaders in the North West, North East and Yorkshire and Humber is continuing.
"I believe not to act would be unforgivable so I hope that rapid progress can be made in the coming days.”