Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed what new coronavirus restrictions will be in place across England after the national lockdown ends on December 2.
Here's everything you need to know.
What restrictions will be in place?
England will face tiered coronavirus restrictions until the end of March 2021, despite the latest successful vaccine trials and rapid tests presenting a “route out of the pandemic”.
As the lockdown ends on December 2, more parts of England are expected to be placed into higher tiers than they were before the national restrictions were imposed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said the new tiers would be tougher than their predecessors, after Government scientific advisers said the previous regime did not do enough to tackle the virus.
The announcement of the new measures came as the Oxford-AstraZeneca team announced its vaccine had proved 70 per cent effective.
Appearing via video link from coronavirus self-isolation in Downing Street, Mr Johnson told MPs the three-tiered approach had been beefed up.
What are the rules in each tier under the new system?
– In Tier 2, alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal.
– In Tier 3, pubs and restaurants will only be able to offer takeaway and delivery services, while indoor entertainment, hotels and other accommodation will close.
The 10pm curfew will be relaxed, with last orders now closed at that time and premises ordered to shut at 11pm.
What did the PM say?
Setting out other measures that will be eased as the lockdown lifts, Mr Johnson said: “From next Wednesday people will be able to leave their home for any purpose and meet others in outdoor public spaces, subject to the rule of six, collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume, and shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector can reopen.
“But without sensible precautions, we would risk the virus escalating into a winter or New Year surge.”
Which areas will be in each tiers?
Details of which areas will be in which tiers will be set out on Thursday, November 26, Mr Johnson said.
“I’m sorry to say we expect that more regions will fall at least temporarily into higher levels than before,” he warned.
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