Lockdown is today over and we are now officially in Tier 3.
Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire residents must now live by a new set of covid rules – the toughest being imposed by Government under the new three-tier system.
They will last at least a few weeks, with the Government set to revise which tier the counties are in on December 16.
All three could conceivably be moved into Tier 2, depending on how much their infection rates fall, among other factors.
In the meantime, though, anyone caught breaking the below rules could face a hefty fine.
But we have broken them down into plain English so you can be clear about what you can and cannot do.
New Tier 3 restrictions
Shops and retail
All non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen in Tier 3 areas on December 2.
That rule also applies to businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons.
Pubs and restaurants
The picture is not so rosy for hospitality businesses.
Pubs, restaurants and hotels in Tier 3 areas will have to remain closed this time around, except for takeaways and deliveries.
Previously they could stay open, and serve alcohol, if they served substantial meals, however that rule will apply to Tier 2 this time around, and all hospitality venues in Tier 3 – including hotels – will have to keep their doors shut this time around.
Drive-throughs can remain open though.
Indoor entertainment
All venues classed as providing ‘indoor entertainment’ must remain closed in Tier 3 areas.
This includes cinemas, theatres, bowling lanes, bingo halls and soft play areas.
Leisure and exercise
Gyms, swimming pools and other leisure facilities in Tier 3 locations can reopen on December 2.
Also, organised outdoor sport and exercise classes can also restart, so long as the rule of six is observed. Indoor sport can only continue if it involved just one household or bubble.
Meeting friends and family
As before, people living in very high risk areas cannot mix with friends and family indoors at all.
You cannot go into someone else’s home unless part of the same support bubble, or meet at other indoor locations.
Trades people such as electricians, plumbers and plasterers can go inside as they’re carrying out work.
Tier 3 residents are also banned from meeting others they don’t live with in private domestic gardens.
The only place people can see other family and friends to socialise is in an open public space such as a park or beach. In these instances, the Rule of Six still applies, and still includes children of all ages.
Support bubbles
A new exemption allows a multi-adult household to form a support bubble with another if they have a child under one or a child under five who needs care.
Sport crowds
Crowds at sporting events are not allowed in Tier 3 locations.
Mass testing
It’s hoped the rapid coronavirus tests which covered everyone in Liverpool will be rolled out to other Tier 3 areas.
Local bespoke rules
All the rules will be the same in ever Tier 3 area this time, meaning no optional additional measures for each individual area this time.
Councils in Tier 3 towns and cities won’t have the right to negotiate or appeal the decision, although they can negotiate the details of mass testing and similar measures.
Working from home
People are encouraged to work from home and avoid travel where possible if they live in Tier 3 areas.
Holiday and travel
As before, people living in Tier 3 are being advised not to travel in and out of the area they live in except for reasons such as work and education.
People are also advised against overnight stays outside the area or having visitors to stay from elsewhere, meaning no holidays.
However, this is advice and not law.
Weddings and funerals
Weddings and civil partnerships can resume in Tier 3 locations with a maximum of 15 guests. However, receptions are not allowed.
30 people can attend funerals, but only 15 people can go on to the wake.
