The second national lockdown in England is due to conclude on Wednesday, December 2, and England will go back to a three-tier lockdown system. The new system will be stricter than the previous three-tier lockdown system introduced in October, with more areas facing the toughest Tier 3 measures than previously.
From December 2 areas in the Midlands, North East, North West, South East, South West and Yorkshire and The Humber will be under Tier 3 measures.
These measures will be reviewed on December 16, and some areas could be taken out of Tier 3 from this date.
In Tier 3 areas, people cannot meet socially indoors or in many outdoor places with people they do not live with, or with people who are not part of a support bubble.
Groups of no more than six people can meet in outdoor public places, such as parks.
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There are also a number of restrictions on what businesses and venues can remain open in Tier 3 areas.
Personal care services such as hairdressers can open in Tier 3 areas, as can gyms and sports facilities.
Non-essential shops can reopen, and places of worship can also open providing people do not socialise with anyone outside of a household or support bubble unless a legal exemption applies.
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restricted capacity, and organised outdoor sport can also continue.
Is it illegal to travel out of Tier 3?
People living in Tier 3 areas should avoid travelling to other parts of the UK unless for a specific essential reason.
The Government guidance on travel in Tier 3 states: “Avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, 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.”
Guidance on international travel can be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website.
Some businesses such as non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen in areas under Tier 3 restrictions.
The Government guidance states you can visit the amenities that are open, but the advice is to “reduce the number of journeys” made where possible.
People in Tier 2 areas can travel to Tier 1 areas but must follow the Tier 2 rules when visiting.
People in Tier 2 and Tier 3 should not visit Tier 3 areas or stay overnight, unless for necessary reasons such as work, medical treatment or caring responsibilities.
The police have powers to issue fixed penalty notices for people who flout the lockdown rules.
During the second national lockdown in England, police can now issue fines reaching up to £200 for the first offence.
Fines can double for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of £6,400.
