After lockdown: Shops and gyms will reopen, pubs will open later but tiers will get 'tougher'
Everything you need to know about what will happen after lockdown:
Last updated 23rd Nov 2020
Boris Johnson has today announced there will be tougher restrictions in some tiers once lockdown is over, but that many of the restrictions will be lifted.
When the second lockdown finishes on Dec 2nd, England will move back into a tiered system, with restrictions varying depending on where you live.
Here's everything you need to know about the Prime Minister's announcement:
What will happen after lockdown?
The winter plan will come into force after the current national lockdown finishes on December 2 and will include a strengthened three-tier system of local restrictions.
So there will still be three tiers, but with slightly differing rules from before.
So what are the new rules for shops and gyms?
Many of the rules from lockdown are being relaxed, Boris told parliament that:
“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.
So shops can open again and weddings can go ahead, gyms and the leisure sector can also re-open as long as they can operate in a 'Covid-safe way'.
What are the new rules for Tiers 1, 2 and 3?
Boris Johnson said there will be a return to “tougher” regional tiers.
He said: “So we’re not going to replace national measures with a free for all, the status quo anti-Covid, we’re going to go back instead to a regional tiered approach – applying the toughest measures where Covid is most prevalent.
“And while the previous local tiers did cut the ‘R’ number, they were not quite enough to reduce it below one.
Outlining the tiers, Boris Johnson said:
- “In particular, in Tier 1 people should work from home wherever possible."
- “In Tier 2, alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal."
- “In Tier 3, indoor entertainment, hotels and other accommodation will have to close, along with all forms of hospitality except for delivery and takeaways."
Are pubs going to be able to open later?
Yes, in general, pubs and restaurants will be allowed to stay open later than the 10pm curfew which previously existed.
The new plans mean last orders must be called at 10pm, but you will get an extra hour to finish your food and drinks, with opening hours extended until 11pm.
Although rules are different in tier 3 - hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants will be closed – although they can do takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must close.
Can I go to weddings and funerals?
Yes, but there will be restrictions on numbers, depending on what tier you're in:
- Tiers 1 and 2: Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events
- Tier 3: 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend linked commemorative events
Will I be able to watch live sport?
Mr Johnson said:
“In tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.
Crowds won't be allowed at sporting events in tier 3 areas, the guidance says there should be no public attendance at spectator sport or indoor performances and large business events should not be taking place. Elite sport events may continue to take place without spectators.
Which tier am I in?
Ministers will announce on Thursday which tier each area will enter.
It will depend on the amount of Covid cases in your area and how quickly they are spreading.
What about Christmas?
It isn't clear on what will be different, but the Prime Minister said he was working alongside Scotland and Wales to relax some of the rules for a few days around Christmas.
Boris Johnson said families will need to make a “careful judgement” about visiting elderly relatives over Christmas.
He told MPs: “This virus is obviously not going to grant a Christmas truce, it doesn’t know it’s Christmas and families will need to make a careful judgement about the risk of visiting elderly relatives.
“We will be publishing guidance for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable on how to manage the risks in each tier as well as over Christmas.”