Which tier is Essex in?
The county has been put into tier two
Last updated 26th Nov 2020
The Government has announced that Essex will be in tier two when the current national lockdown ends next Wednesday.
But what does that mean?
Here's a breakdown of what the restrictions are in each tier.
Tier One:
In tier one you must adhere to the 'Rule of Six' indoors and outdoors.
Most business and hospitality venues can stay open, certain places like nightclubs have to stay closed though.
The curfew has been changed from 10pm to 11pm - last orders must be taken at 10pm though, which leaves an hour for everyone to finish eating and drinking.
People can start going to outdoor and indoor events again but capacity is limited. It's restricted to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 4,000 people outdoors or 1,000 indoors. Those same capacity restrictions apply to spectator sports.
Places of worship will be open but the 'Rule of Six' applies.
Weddings are back on but limited to 15 people, while funerals have a maximum capacity of 30.
Organised indoor sports and exercise classes can continue as long as the 'Rule of Six' is followed. Larger groups are allowed for supervised sports for under-18s.
People living in a tier one area who travel to a higher tier area are expected to follow the rules of that area while you're there - people are advised against overnight stays in tier three zones though.
Tier Two:
Tier two is stricter, you can't socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether that's your home or a public space.
You can meet outdoors but only as long as the 'Rule of Six' is followed.
Businessnes and venues can stay open as long as they operate in a covid-secure way.
Pubs and bars have to close though unless they're operating as restaurants, and then they can only serve alcohol with substantial meals.
Hospitality businesses who are serving food and drink must provide table service only, and follow the 11pm curfew (10pm last orders) rule.
People selling food for delivery, click and collect, or drive-through can carry on after 10pm.
People can start going to outdoor and indoor events again but capacity is limited. It's restricted to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 indoors. Those same capacity restrictions apply to spectator sports.
Places of worship remain open but you shouldn't socialise with people from outside your household or bubble while you are indoors there.
Weddings are back on but limited to 15 people, while funerals have a maximum capacity of 30.
Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue. Organised indoor sport and classes will only be allowed if people can avoid mixing with people they don't live with. There are exceptions for supervised indoor sport for under-18s.
You can continue to travel to venues and amenities which are open but are encouraged to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.
If you live in a tier two area you must continue to follow tier two rules if you travel to a tier one area. The advice is to avoid overnight stays in tier three areas.
Tier Three:
This is the strictest level of restrictions and means that you must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with or is in your support bubble - that includes in a private garden and most outdoor venues.
The 'Rule of Six' still applies in some other outdoor spaces like parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility.
Hospitality settings such as bars, pubs, cafes, and restaurants must close but can continue to do click and collect, takeaway, delivery or drive-through services.
Accomodation such as B&B's, hotels, campsites and guest houses must shut. There are exceptions for people who use these venues as their main residence.
Indoor entertainment and tourist venues must shut, that includes: indoor play areas, casinos, bingo halls, bowling alleys, skating rinks, amusement arcades, laser quests and escape rooms, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, snooker halls.
Indoor attractions and mostly outdoor entertainment venue must also close, like: zoos, safari parks, model villages, museums, galleries, botanical gardens, greenhouses, theme parks, circuses, fairgrounds, funfairs, film studios, heritage sites and stately homes, and landmarks with observation decks.
Leisure and sports facilities can stay open but group classes should be cancelled. Elite sporting events can continue but without spectators.
Organised outdoor sport can continue however higher-risk contact activity should not take place.
Large outdoor events, with the exception of drive-in events, should be cancelled.
Places of worship remain open but you shouldn't socialise with people from outside your household or bubble while you are there.
Weddings are back on but limited to 15 people, while funerals have a maximum capacity of 30.
You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open but you should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.
You should also avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment. You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.