What does tier 3 lockdown mean? Rules, restrictions and areas revealed

13 October 2020, 08:50 | Updated: 14 October 2020, 10:33

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed strict rules and regulations for areas in tier 3 lockdown
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed strict rules and regulations for areas in tier 3 lockdown. Picture: PA Images
Ewan Quayle

By Ewan Quayle

What areas are in tier 3 of the new three tier Covid alert system? And what are the rules and restrictions of level 3? Here’s what you need to know including what's happening with social distancing, pubs and restaurants.

Boris Johnson has confirmed England will now follow a new Covid-19 alert system where we will be divided up into three tiers - medium, high and very high.

In a bid to tackle the rising cases of coronavirus, and to avoid another national lockdown, your area will be given a tier level from one to three with certain rules and restrictions in place for each.

Tier 1 - or medium level - are those areas with a ‘medium’ increase in Covid-19 cases, while tier 2 is classed as ‘high’ and tier 3 are areas with a ‘very high’ increased infection rates and risk to the population.

Read more: What is a tier 1 lockdown and which areas will be included in it?

Read more: Covid alert level: What is a tier 2 lockdown and what areas will be included in it?

With several areas expected to head into tier 3 in the coming weeks, we take a look at the rules and restrictions currently being put in place to prevent further spread of the illness.

Boris Johnson has confirmed the new tiers the country need to follow to beat coronavirus
Boris Johnson has confirmed the new tiers the country need to follow to beat coronavirus. Picture: PA

So what does a tier 3 lockdown level mean? What are the rules and restrictions in tier 3? And what areas are in tier 3 at the moment?

What is a tier 3, ‘high level’ lockdown?

Tier 3 means a ‘high level’ of coronavirus infection according to Government documents released on Monday.

What are the tier 3, ‘high level’ rules and restrictions?

If your area falls under this Covid alert level you will be faced with a number of rules and restrictions on Wednesday - the harshest of the three.

Alongside national measures such as the 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants, there are severe restrictions on socialising.

This is includes a ban on meeting anybody from outside your household - indoors or outdoors - and can land you with a fine of up to £10,000 if you repeatedly breach the rule.

Pubs and bars must close if they do not serve food, however if they can provide a "substantial" meal - more than snacks such as crisps - they are allowed to stay open.

As such, wedding receptions are also banned but weddings themselves can still take place with up to 15 people - including the couple - in a Covid-secure venue.

If under tier 3, you are strongly advised against leaving your local area and are asked to avoid public transport as much as possible.

Three tier system: LBC explains

What areas are in tier 3 of lockdown?

To check if your area is in tier 3, head to the new Government postcode checker which will let you know your areas alert level.

At the moment certain parts of Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire are in talks for tier 3 lockdown.

Covid alert levels: Strict rules and restrictions are in place for tier 3 areas
Covid alert levels: Strict rules and restrictions are in place for tier 3 areas. Picture: PA

Does tier 3 go far enough?

Boris Johnson confirmed that further tier 3 rules will be confirmed with local MPs and authorities, with councils able to to negotiations further measures in addition to the base restrictions.

This follows warnings, however, from the Government's own top medical and scientific advisers that basic tier 3 measures would have little impact on the rapid spread of infection.

Currently only Merseyside - which includes Liverpool and the Wirral - has entered this alert level and local leaders have secured the closure of leisure facilities such as gyms, spas and casinos on top of the base measures.

It is understood that negotiations between the Government and leaders in Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and significant parts of the North of England are ongoing.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City

Pep Guardiola signs two-year contract extension with Manchester City

Captain Tom's Daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore

Behaviour at Captain Tom charity left ex-boss 'gobsmacked'

Armed robbers attempted to break into the star's Sunderland home.

Masked machete-wielding robbers break into Charlotte Crosby's home while she is upstairs with two-year-old daughter

Police have released new CCTV of Harshita Brella and her husband

Chilling CCTV released of Harshita Brella and prime murder suspect husband on night she was killed

First photos of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special as James Corden and Ruth Jones mark triumphant finale

First photos of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special as James Corden and Ruth Jones mark show's triumphant finale

King Charles performs a Hongi, a traditional Maori greeting, with Mere Takoko

King Charles shares traditional Maori nose rub greeting with activist as he launches environmental charity

Putin issued a chilling threat to the West as he confirmed Russia launched a ballistic missile against Ukraine

Putin issues chilling warning to UK and US as he confirms Russia hit Ukraine with new 'experimental' ballistic missile

Telegraph writer Allison Pearson.

Police drop investigation into journalist Allison Pearson over tweet - as review to be launched over handling of case

Exclusive
Angela Rayner has paid tribute to John Prescott

Angela Rayner says John Prescott 'used to call her after PMQs to remind her to stay true to who she is'

Four men have been arrested accused of attempting to rob a mobile phone store

Undercover police arrest four men after EE shop raided by masked gang

Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations

Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations

Donald Trump Watches SpaceX Launch Its Sixth Test Flight Of Starship Spacecraft

Elon Musk pledges to fire civil servants who work from home

Seven-month-old baby mauled to death by family dog after leaning on animal while crawling, inquest hears

Seven-month-old baby mauled to death by family dog sustained 'catastrophic' injuries after leaning on pet, inquest hears

Starmer has backed the International Criminal Court over its arrest warrant for Netanyahu

Starmer backs International Criminal Court after it issues arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu

Five men charged over smuggling of migrants from UK to France in lorries

Five men charged over smuggling of migrants from UK to France in lorries following dawn raids

Rhiannon Skye Whyte was stabbed to death in Walsall

South Sudanese teen accused of murdering asylum seeker hotel worker with screwdriver 'refuses to appear in court'