New: PM announces COVID-19 winter plan for UK

If you’ve been on social media recently you may have seen “lockdown 3” trending amongst other COVID-19 related phrases. This is because Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has just mapped out his winter plan for the UK.

Boris Johnson told the House of Commons that the 3 tiered regional measures will return from 2 December, but he added that each tier will be toughened.

“Gyms and non-essential shops in all parts of England will be allowed to reopen when lockdown ends next month.”

Sporting fans and spectators of live performances will be allowed to return in some form to view these events. Weddings and collective worship will also resume too. However, some regions will only find out what tier they are in on Thursday.

Tiers will be allocated based on a number of factors:

A specific area's case numbers, the reproduction rate - or R number – as well as the current and projected pressure on the NHS in their local community. The tier allocations will be reviewed every 14 days and will last until at least March.

Boris Johnson told colleagues via video link whilst he self isolates after coming into contact with a colleague that has recently been tested positive for COVID-19, that he predicts:

"more regions will fall - at least temporarily - into higher levels than before".

Some of the takeaways from his speech were the following:

In tier 1, people should continue to work from home where possible

In tier 2, only pubs serving substantial meals can serve alcohol

In tier 3, hospitality will close except for delivery and takeaway, and indoor entertainment venues must also close.

So what are the key tier differences in England and what do they involve?

Tier 1 (medium):

• Follow the rule of 6 if meeting indoors or outdoors

• Restaurants & pubs are to close at 11pm

• People are encouraged to reduce their travel and if possible, work from home

• Spectators of sporting, performance and musical events are allowed at these events but in limited numbers

• Personal care will be allowed, this includes hairdressing appointments

Tier 2 (high):

• No mixing indoors in households

• Rule of 6 to apply outdoors

• Restaurants & pubs are to close at 11pm

• Alcohol will only be allowed as part of a served meal

• Spectators of sporting, performance and musical events are allowed at these events but in limited numbers

• Personal care will be allowed, this includes hairdressing appointments

Tier 3: (very high):

• No household mixing both indoors and outdoors in hospitality venues or even private gardens

• Rule of 6 will apply in outdoor public spaces like parks

• Restaurants & pubs will be fully closed, however delivery and takeaway will be allowed

• Indoor entertainment venues will be fully closed

• Guidance against travelling in and out of areas

• Personal care will be allowed, this includes hairdressing appointments

The PM further explained how the rules outlined for the tiers will be non-negotiable with no room for additional measures.

Adding also:

"I can't say that Christmas will be normal this year, but in a period of adversity time spent with loved ones is even more precious for people of all faiths and none. We all want some kind of Christmas; we need it; we certainly feel we deserve it. "But this virus obviously is not going to grant a Christmas truce… and families will need to make a careful judgement about the risks of visiting elderly relatives."

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