Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (October 12) announced a new three tier lockdown system and confirmed that Nottinghamshire as a whole will be put under Tier 2 – which means ‘high alert’.
The plans were confirmed earlier this afternoon and you can read the full story here
We look at what the impact will be for people in Gedling borough when the new rules come into force on Wednesday (14)…
So what are the rules under Tier 2 – and how will they affect people across Gedling borough?
Tier two refers to an area being on ‘high’ alert. Nottinghamshire will now face a ban on households mixing indoors, but pubs and restaurants will still remain open for business.
Those living in a Tier 2 area can still see others outside their household at an outdoor setting, such as a private garden or the park.
All outdoor meetings must also follow the existing Rule of Six limits.
Tier one restrictions, like the 10pm pub curfew, will also remain in place.
Residents in a Tier 2 areas will be advised not to undertake non-essential travel, but there will be no official travel ban. The designation of an area as being on very high alert will be reviewed every four weeks.
Places of worship will stay open even with the harshest restrictions and there are no plans to close schools in any of the tiers.
Regulations are being laid today by the Government and will be voted on tomorrow by MPs before coming into force on Wednesday.
The Government Covid 19 app will show what local alert level applies to each area along with a postcode checker on the gov.uk website. This will contain updated guidance what these levels mean, especially for those who are vulnerable.
The Government is expected to give further details over the coming days about what the new restrictions mean and any new laws which may need to be implemented as a result. The restrictions will come into force by Wednesday this week.
How are social bubbles affected by Tier 2 regulations?
In tier two areas, social mixing between households is prohibited indoors, but those in support bubbles can continue to mix in private homes and in indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants. Childcare bubbles can also continue.
However, the Rule of Six means that people can still meet in groups of up to six people outside such as in private gardens and public places.
Police and health chief comment on new restrictions
Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Positive Covid-19 cases are increasing across the entire county in some areas the increase is steep. To slow the spread and prevent the need for stricter measures, we must only mix indoors within our own household (or support bubble) and we all have to observe the rules on hands, face, and space.
“If you get symptoms you need to isolate and take a test. And people need to keep on following the guidance to stay safe and protect lives. Key to this is making sure you stay two metres apart, wear masks where applicable and wash hands regularly. Hands, face, space. It could not be any clearer.
“Only by doing this can we turn the tide on these escalating numbers, prevent the vulnerable becoming ill, and stop the numbers of hospital admissions rising. This is a responsibility for every one of us.”
Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Chair of the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Local Resilience Forum, added: “As a partnership we have worked tirelessly across both the city and county to meet the challenges presented by Covid-19.
“We will continue to work together in ensuring people are heeding the advice, obeying the rules and helping each other. It is imperative that we all do this to keep this virus under control and to prevent unnecessary deaths. Where people continue to flout these rules we will not hesitate to fine people and take any other necessary action.
“As a police force we will be working with the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to manage any further regulations should any be implemented.”
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