Most of Essex enters tier 4 just days before Christmas
Tier 4 restrictions have kicked in across most of Essex.
Last updated 21st Dec 2020
Colchester, Tendring and Uttlesford are the only local authority areas in the county to remain in tier two for now.
Tier 4 restrictions are broadly similar to the lockdown rules that were in place in November.
Non-essential shops, gyms, cinemas, hairdressers and bowling alleys will be forced to close for two weeks – while people will be restricted to meeting one other person from another household in an outdoor public space.
It all comes after a new strain of coronavirus was discovered, mostly in the South East of England, which appears to be spreading a lot faster than the original virus.
The introduction of a new tier also saw Christmas plans change for many over the weekend.
People in tier 4 will not be allowed to mix with anyone outside of their household, although support bubbles remain in place.
In tiers 1-3, the Christmas bubble rules will now be just for Christmas day only.
The Prime Minister said: “I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year, and how important it is, for instance, for grandparents to see their grandchildren, for families to be together.
“So I know how disappointing this will be.
“But we have said throughout this pandemic that we must and we will be guided by the science."
Essex Police says they understand these changes are going to be a challenging end to a challenging year.
Officers and staff are going to be on duty over the festive period and will be following the latest regulations.
The force added it's really important that "we all #StaySafeEssex".
It says officers will continue to use the same common-sense approach to the regulations that they've had throughout the pandemic - they will engage with people, explain the regulations, an encourage people to do the right thing.