Tier two restrictions begin in Norfolk
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, Norfolk 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 weren't welcomed by everyone in the county when they were announced, with North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker describing them as 'disappointing'.
Despite his objections, Mr Baker was not among the more than 50 Conservative backbenchers who voted against the new system in the House of Commons on Tuesday 1st of December.
He gave this reasoning for his vote in support of the Government:
Leader of Norfolk County Council and Chair of the Norfolk Engagement Board, Andrew Proctor, said: "While our aim was to leave the national lockdown in Tier 1, being in Tier 2 with much of the rest of the country, means we do face further restrictions so we must now work together towards a sustained decline in the virus to help us to return to lesser restrictions as soon as possible."
But what does tier two mean, well here's a breakdown of some of the restrictions now in force in the county:
Cllr Andrew Proctor added: "It is essential that we stick to the rules, work together to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our county and ensure that the rates of infection continue to go downwards. The best way to protect ourselves and others is to keep our distance, wash our hands and cover our faces.
“It is also important to understand that people must continue to follow social distancing measures and isolate if they have symptoms, test positive or are asked to isolate by contact tracing teams.”
Chief Constable of Norfolk Police, Simon Bailey, said: “Our journey through this pandemic is not yet over and we must continue to work together to stop the spread of infections. We must all follow the restrictions in Tier 2 wherever we are in the county or country to ensure that we can return to lesser measures as soon as possible.
“These rules have been put in place to protect us all and we need you to work with us and follow them.”
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.