Tier 1 (medium level)
After December 2 the medium level will cover most of the country and will consist of the current national measures. This means those in a Tier 1 area must abide by the Rule of Six and the closure of hospitality venues at 10pm.
Read more: Tier 1 lockdown rules
Tier 2 (high level)
In such areas people are prevented from mixing with other households indoors. Most areas already subject to local restrictions will move to the high alert level.
The Rule of Six continues to apply outdoors and in private gardens.
This tier includes London, Essex, Elmbridge, Barrow in Furness, York, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and Erewash.
The following places were added to Tier 2 on October 31: Oxford, Luton, Kingston-Upon-Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North and Northeast Lincolnshire, Dudley, Bolsover, Staffordshire, Amber Valley, Telford and the Wrekin, Derbyshire Dales, Derby, South Derbyshire, High Peak and Charnwood.
Read more: Tier 2 lockdown rules
Tier 3 (very high level)
This level applies in areas where transmission rates are causing the biggest concern.
The Government sets a “baseline” of measures that need to be in place for this tier, such as prohibiting social mixing indoors and in private gardens and closing pubs and bars unless they can operate as a restaurant.
People will be advised against travelling in and out of these areas.
The Prime Minister said agreement had been reached with leaders in Merseyside, explaining it would be at the “very-high alert” level – with gyms, leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos also closing.
West Yorkshire, including Leeds and Bradford, will be under Tier 3 restrictions from Monday, November 2.
The city of Nottingham, and the Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe areas of Nottinghamshire, entered Tier 3 at 12.01am on October 30.
Lancashire entered Tier 3 on October 17 after a last-ditch deal was agreed with the Government with an extra £12 million funding package.
The Liverpool City region, which includes Knowsley, Wirral, St Helens, Sefton and Halton, was placed under Tier 3 restrictions on October 14, Greater Manchester on October 23 and Warrington on October 27.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own devolved governments and separate health systems. Wales is subject to a firebreak lockdown while Scotland has also imposed strict measures.
The Prime Minister said there was “no doubt” that the UK faced arduous months ahead as it grappled with a second wave of coronavirus cases, but until the ill-fated Saturday announcements, he had tried to avoid a nationwide lockdown.
Read more: Tier 3 lockdown rules
Tier 4
Although not officially referred to as Tier 4, the latest measures to be enforced across England are just a stricter continuation of the three-tiered system that was already in place.
The latest measures see a partial return to lockdown first experienced in March; although there are a few key differences, which you can read about below.
With the whole of England now set to enter a new fourth tier for weeks, it is understood that different parts of the country will later be released from the tougher measures, heading back into the existing three tiers at different periods, depending on transmission rates.
Read more: What would Tier 4 lockdown rules look like?
What are Tier 4 restrictions?
The tough new restrictions will come into effect at 12.01am on Thursday, November 5, and last until at least December 2.
Under the latest rules all pubs and restaurants across England will close, although takeaways and deliveries will be permitted.
All non-essential retail stores will close, though supermarkets won’t have to follow the Welsh example of fencing off non-essential goods.
There will be no mixing of people inside homes, except for childcare and other forms of support.
Outbound international travel will be banned, except for work. The same applies for travel within England and overnight stays away from home.
Courts, schools, and universities will remain open. Private prayer will continue in places of worship, but not services.
Outdoor exercise and recreation within your household or one other person is encouraged.
— to www.telegraph.co.uk
