We now have a three-tier lockdown system for England, restricting some activities, with specific exceptions.

There are new grants available to those businesses told to close, during this second phase, or told they can only provide a delivery or takeaway service.

For details of what grants and support available to businesses see our blog:

Here is a brief summary of the rules, with links to where to find full details.  And remember there are many exceptions.

 

Tier one – Medium Risk – currently most of the country

• Rule of 6 for socialising anywhere – indoors or out
• Support Bubble rules for one adult families and childcare
• 10pm curfew on selling food & drink for consumption on the premises ( with exceptions for ports etc)
• Residents advised to avoid travelling to or overnighting in Very High Risk areas
• Residents advised to avoid visiting in Very High Risk areas
• For full details visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-medium

 

Tier two – High Risk – currently most of the north

• Rule of 6 for socialising outdoors,
• Indoor socialising banned
• Support Bubble rules for one adult families and childcare
• 10pm curfew on selling food & drink for consumption on the premises (exceptions for motorway services etc)
• Residents advised to avoid travelling to or overnighting in Very High Risk areas
• Residents advised to avoid visiting in Very High Risk areas
• For full details visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-high

 

Tier three – Very High Risk – more areas could enter this category soon

• Rule of 6 for socialising in outdoor public spaces inc. sports courts and playgrounds
• Other socialising, with those outside your household or support bubbles, is banned (but there are exceptions)
• Pubs & bars closed – unless serving substantial meals, and alcohol only as part of that meal
• All advised to avoid travelling into or out of Very High Risk area
• Very High Risk area residents advised to avoid staying overnight in other parts of the country e.g. holiday home
• Very High Risk area residents banned from visiting in other areas
• For full details visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-very-high

 

Additional Local Authority Imposed Measures

Local authorities can impose additional measures on top of the above national rules.  They are specifically requested to do so for Tier Three in order to bring down the rate of spread of the virus.

Examples of additional rules they could impose

• Banning sale of alcohol in hospitality
• Closing all hospitality
• Closing entertainment venues
• Closing tourist attractions
• Closing leisure centres & Gyms
• Closing public building e.g libraries and community centres
• Closing venues performing to audiences

To find out the alert levels in your area visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/full-list-of-local-covid-alert-levels-by-area