Tier two restrictions begin in Essex
The national lockdown has ended and a three tier system is now in place
As part of the Government's Covid-19 Winter Plan announced last month, different parts of England now face regional-tiered restrictions stricter than those in place before the second lockdown.
Like the rest of the East of England, Essex finds itself in tier two, which means people from different households or bubbles cannot meet indoors, and hospitality businesses must close if they can't operate as a restaurant.
The new restrictions were seen as a disappointment to many across the county when they were announced, which Essex County Council understands but is urging residents to do what is needed to reduce coronavirus infections.
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said: "Keep obeying the rules, because I want us to get to tier one as soon as we can safely do so. Work from home wherever you can. Keep your distance, the two metre rule is still there.
"Please, if you know you've been in contact with someone who has tested positive, self-isolate immediately and get your test. These are the rules and we can do this, we left tier one when it was the norm and we have gone into tier two when it is the norm, and I'd quite like to be back into tier one before it is the norm again.
"We need to bring down the infection rates in south and west of the county so that we can do this. All the other areas are making great progress, I thank residents for your resilience, your adherence to the guidelines and I really am hopeful we can get to tier one safely, and for keeps, as soon as possible."
While we cannot mix with other households in any indoor setting under tier two restrictions, those rules will be lifted across the UK temporarily between 23rd and 27th December to allow people to see loved ones over Christmas.
Up to three households will be able to create a 'Christmas bubble' within that time, which will likely be a welcome experience for many across the country, but people are being reminded to still take precautions.
Councillor Spence added: "If the Government hadn't relaxed the guidelines to enable three households to mix, I think there would be mass disobedience, and I would have understood that as I too want to see my children and grandchildren.
"The right response from all of us is to do it responsibly and to think carefully about our behaviour. Don't expose people who are deeply vulnerable to levels of risk that you know are going to be very bad for them."