Speculation has been rife about a fourth tier of coronavirus restrictions being brought in if current restrictions fail to bring down the number of coronavirus cases across England. The Government is said to be considering plans to add an extra tier to the three-tiered lockdown system, which could mean restaurants and non-essential shops are forced to close.
Despite new restrictions being only a few weeks old, there is concern Tier 3 restrictions, now in place in several regions of England, will not be enough to bring R below one before Christmas.
Options being discussed include ramping up the already tough Tier 3 to “Tier 3-plus” or Tier 4, alongside the possibility of local circuit breaker lockdowns to bring the R-value of transmission below one, like the one taking place in Wales right now.
Boris Johnson made clear in his latest Downing Street press conference on Thursday that he was determined to keep pushing on with the regional approach.
He said a full lockdown “from John O’Groats to Land’s End” was not an option, due to the impact on the economy, society, and mental health – and that it would not be fair on areas with a low infection rate.
Existing Tier 3 measures include the closure of pubs and bars that do not serve food, topped up by shutting gyms, soft play centres, and casinos.
Areas such as Liverpool, Manchester, and South Yorkshire are all under Tier 3 currently.
Schools do not currently close under the tier system.
This system does not apply in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales.
