Hundreds of thousands of people across Hull and East Yorkshire are living under Tier 3 lockdown restrictions which have closed pubs and restaurants and limited household mixing.
Millions of people in east and south-east England have gone into Tier 4, England’s highest Covid-19 level – which includes a “stay at home” order.
The harshest restrictions were put in place as a new variant of coronavirus began rapidly spreading in the south-east and east of England.
Lockdowns have also started in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and measures are back in Wales.
It comes as the UK’s official Covid-19 death toll passed 70,000 on Christmas Day.
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When is the next tier review?
The latest Tier rules will be reviewed on Wednesday, December 30. The Government has the flexibility to change Tier states before reviews but this is likely only to raise Tier levels with a statement saying it will ‘take immediate action to protect local communities.’
How are tiers decided for each area?
When the Government reviews the tiers on December 30, experts will look at 5 key indicators:
- case detection rates in all age groups
- case detection rates in the over-60s
- the rate at which cases are rising or falling
- positivity rate (the number of positive cases detected as a percentage of tests taken)
- pressure on the NHS
What is the current situation in Hull and East Riding
Coronavirus cases across Hull are on the rise again with three new hotspots where the virus is spreading fastest.
The latest statistics from Public Health England (PHE) show that coronavirus cases are rising gradually in Hull. Just three areas recorded fewer cases in the seven days leading to December 21.
In the East Riding, cases appear to be rising less quickly and many areas have seen a gradual decline. However some areas including Kirk Ella, Beeford and around Market Weighton and Driffield continue to have higher rates.
Latest rules for celebrating New Year’s Eve
For those in Tier 3, it’s worth remembering that you cannot mix indoors, in private gardens or in most outdoor venues, except with your own household or bubble.
However, you can meet in a group of up to six in other outdoor spaces, such as parks, beaches or countryside.
Bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must stay closed, except for delivery and takeaway.
What is Tier 2?
Areas in Tier 2, such as York and North Yorkshire, have more relaxed rules.
You can’t mix indoors with anyone apart from members of your household or bubble but you can meet in a group of up to six outside including in a private garden, or a public place.
Pubs and bars can open if they serve substantial meals and alcohol can be served with that meal.
Pubs and restaurants must shut at 11pm, with last orders at 10pm.
What is Tier 4?
(Image: Duncan Young)
Under Tier 4, non-essential shops, hairdressers, and leisure and entertainment venues must close.
There is a new ‘stay at home’ instruction from the Government.
People who need to travel for work, education or childcare are exempt, and exercise is unlimited.
There is no households mixing but one person is allowed to meet with one other person outside in a public space. Support bubbles and those meeting for childcare are exempt.
Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home, and cannot travel abroad.
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