South Yorkshire enters Tier Three restrictions
It's the highest level of coronavirus rules
South Yorkshire has officially entered Tier Three coronavirus restrictions.
The new rules, which are the strictest in England to tackle the virus, kicked in at a minute past midnight across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster.
The county joins the Liverpool City Region, Lancashire and Greater Manchester in the third tier.
It means bars and pubs which don't serve a substantial meal have had to close, as have soft play centres, casinos and betting shops.
Gyms will stay open but some gym classes will be cancelled.
We've also got tighter restrictions on socialising, with household mixing now banned indoors, anywhere in hospitality venues and in private gardens.
We can though meet with other households in public spaces like parks, as long as stick to the Rule of Six and maintain social distance from anyone we don't live with.
Sheffield City region Mayor Dan Jarvis urged people to tap into the "grit and character" that has got South Yorkshire through difficult times.
He said:
"After the progress we made over the summer, the return to stricter restrictions is deeply frustrating. Many of you will be fearing for your families, your livelihoods, your future. Some of you will be wondering if these measures are worth it.
"Those feelings are understandable. But we should be under no illusions. These measures are needed. The scientific advice is that they can help. We still have a difficult path ahead, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. These restrictions will help us reach it sooner, and at a lower cost."
Here's some more detail on what Tier Three means for South Yorkshire:
Can I mix with people outside my bubble?
You may not socialise with anybody you do not live with, or have not formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting, private garden and at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events. However, the rule of six applies to outdoor public spaces including parks, beaches and public gardens.
Are schools open?
It has been confirmed that schools and universities will remain open.
Can I attend weddings and funerals?
Weddings and funerals are able to go ahead with restrictions on the number of people attending, 15 can attend weddings and 30 attend funerals but wedding receptions are not allowed. 15 may attend wakes and other commemorative events (check with the venue for additional restrictions).
Are restaurants and pubs closed?
Pubs and bars can only operate as restaurants, with alcohol only available if part of a substantial meal. Shisha bars must not serve shisha, but can open as cafés.
I want to exercise, are gyms open and sports allowed?
Gyms may continue to open, but the guidance is against indoor exercise classes taking place.
Can I stay overnight in the UK?
People in Tier 3 areas should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK. You should also avoid travelling outside the Very High alert area or entering a Very High alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities, or to travel through as part of a longer journey.
Can I go to church or other places of worship?
Household mixing is not permitted, but places of worship remain open for individuals or household bubbles as long as social distancing is maintained.
What about childcare?
Registered childcare can carry on, including wraparound care, youth groups and activities, and children's playgroups. This means you can continue to use early years and childcare settings, including childminders, after-school clubs and nannies.
Registered childcare providers and people in either your support bubble or your childcare bubble can provide childcare support in private homes and gardens
A childcare bubble is where someone in one household provides informal (unpaid and unregistered) childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household. This must always be between the same 2 households.
Can I visit care homes?
You should not visit a care home except in exceptional circumstances, for example to visit someone who is at the end of their life.
Can I still move house?
You can still move home if you're in a very high alert level area.
Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work and people looking to move home can continue to undertake viewings.
Can I travel out of the area?
This should be avoided unless it is for work, education or youth services, to meet caring responsibilities or if travelling through as part of a longer journey.
Will shops close?
All casinos, soft play areas, adult gaming centres, betting shops and car boot sales must close.