ENGLAND is now in a new coronavirus tier system, with updated rules for opening shops, gyms, hairdressers and pubs in the strictest level, Tier 3.
The nation is now divided into a three-tier system with regions classed as either medium, high or very high risk.
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Businesses that break the rules in their area can face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution or closure.
The tier system has been in place since lockdown lifted in England on December 2.
Areas under Tier Three restrictions – which are deemed “very high risk” – face the toughest lockdown measures.
Tier Two areas are classed as “high” risk, while Tier One places are “medium” risk.
But what does this mean for shops, gyms, hairdressers and bookies in the strictest Tier Three areas?
We explain the rules and how they affect businesses.
Which areas are under Tier Three lockdown restrictions?
The Sun has a full list of all the Tier One, Tier Two and Tier Three areas in England.
Here are the places in Tier Three (very high alert):
North East
North West
Yorkshire and The Humber
West Midlands
East Midlands
South East
South West
Can hairdressers and beauticians stay open in Tier Three areas?
Yes, hairdressers can stay open in Tier Three areas.
It’s different to previous lockdowns where hairdressers were forced to close – leaving Brits going months without a professional haircut.
Barbers, beauty salons, tattoo parlours, nail salons, spas and beauty services, saunas, steam rooms, massage parlours and tanning salons can all also remain open.
Can pubs, restaurants and cafes stay open in Tier Three areas?
Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha bars), pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services.
This includes restaurants and bars within hotels or member’s clubs.
Businesses and venues selling drinks can continue to do so as long as this is through takeaway, delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.
Food or alcohol purchased from a hospitality premises via takeaway or click-and-collect may not be consumed on any part of that premises, including beer gardens, as well as adjacent seating.
What are the rules for Tier Three?
Millions of Brits are in Tier Three across the country. These are the rules they must follow:
- No mixing of households indoors and in outdoor places, including in private gardens
- Rule of six applies in public outdoor places
- Pubs and bars to close
- Restaurants and pubs can open for takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services
- 15 allowed at wedding and 30 at funeral
- No wedding receptions
- Non-essential shops, schools and universities to remain open
- Indoor entertainment and tourist venues must close
- Leisure and sports facilities can open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead
- Saunas and steam rooms should close
- No public attendance at spectator sport
- Indoor performances should not go ahead
- Elite sport events to continue without spectators
- Outdoor sport can take place unless it’s a high-contact sport
- Outdoor events (performances and shows) to stop, with the exception of drive-in events
- Places of worship can open, with no socialising with anyone outside of your household or support bubble
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Travel outside area advised against
- Avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK if resident in a tier three area
- People resident elsewhere should avoid staying overnight in a tier three area
Can non-essential shops stay open in Tier Three areas?
Non-essential shops are allowed to stay open in Tier Three parts of England.
It was a different story when England was placed into a full-on lockdown when only essential retailers could stay open.
However, shops that are situated inside closed premises that cannot be accessed directly from the street have to stay shut.
Retail premises within accommodation can also open.
Can gyms stay open in Tier Three areas?
Gyms were closed across England as part of the second lockdown, but now we’ve moved to the tier system, they can open again in all areas, including Tier Three.
There will be restrictions in place, for instance, indoor group classes are banned, including fitness and dance classes.
You can continue to do unlimited exercise alone, or in an outdoor public place in groups up to six.
There are exceptions for the following, which can take place in any number:
- disability sport
- sports as part of the curriculum in education
- supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s (including those who were under 18 on 31 August 2020).
Can bookies stay open in Tier Three areas?
Yes, betting shops can stay open in Tier Three areas but they’ll need to have Covid-secure measures.
This includes limits on customers, the removal of chairs and a ban on live sport being shown.
Unlike bookies, casinos aren’t allowed to reopen in Tier Three places.
What other businesses can stay open in Tier Three areas?
The following businesses and places will also stay open in Tier Three areas:
- Supermarkets
- Schools
- Universities
- Colleges
- Outdoor tourism and entertainment venues
- Outdoor cinemas, theatres and concert venues can remain open for drive-in only, but must close at 11pm except to finish shows that started before then
- Outdoor events, such as funfairs can continue to happen in line with Covid-secure guidance – other than large outdoor performance events (performances, shows and screenings), which must be drive-in only
- Community centres and halls, and libraries can remain open
- Recycling and waste centres, car parks, and public toilets may continue to stay open
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Here’s everything you need to know about the rules for Tier Three lockdown areas.
It’s been insinuated that some of the restrictions could be in place for six months.
Keep an eye on our coronavirus page for the latest updates.
Robert Jenrick says it’s possible an area could move from Tier 3 to Tier 2 before Christmas
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
