Coronavirus: What does Tier 2 mean?
York has moved into the "high" Covid Alert Level
Last updated 15th Oct 2020
York has been added to Tier 2, moving into the "high" Covid Alert Level.
But what does that mean?
The city joins London, Essex, Barrow-in-Furness and North East Derbyshire which have all been moved into Tier 2.
It means from Saturday, households across the city will be banned from mixing indoors.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the announcement in the Commons earlier today (Thursday, 15 October).
However, for the rest of the North Yorkshire, the county still sits in the "medium" tier.
Here, we explain what people in York can expect from the new measures.
- What does Tier 2 mean?
There are three tiers in Boris Johnson’s new system:
- Tier 1 – Medium risk – Where the majority of the UK sits at the moment
- Tier 2 – High risk – Any areas with a higher level of infections
- Tier 3 – Very High risk – The highest tier that certain areas could find themselves in if infection rates do not decline
York had been placed under Tier 1 restrictions, meaning it was considered to be at a "medium" risk.
This meant no new restrictions were immediately imposed, with the rule of six and the 10pm curfew remaining in place.
But now York has been placed under Tier 2, following an ongoing rise in coronavirus cases.
The new restrictions applies to ALL those who live and work in the City of York Council area.
This change will take effect from 12:01am on Saturday morning (17 October).
- But what restrictions are in place for Tier 2?
There are some changes for people now under Tier 2 - these are:
- A ban on mixing between households in homes - although support bubbles would still be permitted
- The rule of six would continue to apply in gardens and other outdoor settings
- Pubs and restaurants would remain open but the ban on mixing between households indoors would apply to the hospitality sector
- So, what happens now?
York Outer MP Julian Sturdy will be speaking to Health Secretary Matt Hancock to discuss the situation in the city.
He wants to discuss the data that has led to the decision to move York from a Tier 1 to a Tier 2.
The measures will be reviewed every four weeks.