Bucks, Beds and Herts move into Tier 2 restrictions
Lockdown ends today but rules are still in place
Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire all move into Tier 2 today, as lockdown comes to an end.
It was announced last week which Tier each local authority would go into today, with 99% of the country placed into Tiers 2 & 3.
Tier 2 is "high alert" with strict measures still in place.
What does it mean for us?
Tier 2 brings tougher restrictions. Households will not be allowed to meet indoors apart from in support bubbles.
Outdoors a maximum of six people can meet.
Pubs and bars must close unless they're operating as restaurants and alcohol can only be served with a meal.
Last orders will be 10pm and venues must close by 11pm.
Spectators will be allowed to watch sport with a maximum crowd capacity outdoors of 50% or 2,000 people.
Indoors the limit is one thousand. The same limits apply for live performances and shows.
Before the national lockdown, Aylesbury Vale was in Tier 1.
Find your local Covid alert level here.
Aylesbury Vale to go into Tier 2 when lockdown ends
Wycombe district to go into Tier 2 when lockdown ends
Tring & Berkhamsted to go into Tier 2 when lockdown ends
Aylesbury's MP backs rules
Aylesbury's MP Rob Butler has said we must now devote our efforts to getting back into Tier 1.
Last night, he voted in favour of the measures, despite saying last week he was disappointed with being in Tier 2.
Mr Butler told us:
"That means complying with the new guidelines and doing as much as we can, at the same time, to support local businesses especially in the hospitality sector."
Chesham & Amersham's MP Dame Cheryl Gillan voted against the new rules in Parliament on Tuesday night, Buckingham MP Greg Smith was in favour.
Greatest Hits Radio have also spoken to a number of businesses in Buckinghamshire who have been affected by the lockdown.
Shops reopen
Fullers Flowers in Princes Risborough had to shut throughout both lockdowns and will reopen today.
We spoke to owner Lorna Brookes who said they managed to sell online while the store was shut:
"I think the lockdown has been hard for everyone especially for small, independent retailers like you will find here in Princes Risborough.
"We can trade online, we offer a delivery service and this has kept us ticking along.
"But some shops don't have that sort of trade."
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is also reopening today after being shut for four weeks.
Owen Craft is the Chief Operating Officer:
"We've been closed for a total of sixteen weeks this year, which means we've lost out on millions of pounds worth of vital ticket sales.
"It's our primary source of income for our conservation work.
"To have that cut off and still with our high fixed costs of running a zoo, without visitors it's been very challenging for us."