Liverpool will not level down today.
Announcing slight changes to the allocated tiers today, Matt Hancock has announced that Liverpool will remain in tier 2 – the tier which allows hospitality businesses to be open if serving food and for those in the same household to dine there. Much of the area has been subject to tightened restrictions for many months, with tier 2 rules being placed on the Liverpool City Region after the second national lockdown ended.
Speaking to the House of Commons, Hancock said: “We’ve come so far, we mustn’t blow it now. As we enter the coldest months we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control.
“Yesterday 25,161 cases were reported and there are 18,038 people in hospital with coronavirus in the UK. We must keep suppressing this virus. And this isn’t just a matter for Government or for this House, it is a matter for every single person and these are always the most difficult months for people’s health and for the NHS.
The news comes following Boris Johnson’s public address yesterday, where he confirmed that the Christmas bubble plan would be going ahead – urging people to have a “merry little Christmas” – ‘little’ being his keyword. The Prime Minister also said he felt it would be “inhuman” to ban Christmas celebrations. As the national infection rate continues to creep up, the Prime Minister also suggested that people avoided seeing their elderly relatives until they were vaccinated, and also asked people to reconsider travelling from a high-prevalence to a low-prevalence area.
Here’s a reminder of the key rules for tier 2 areas:
- No mixing with other households indoors, except for support bubbles.
- Outdoor gatherings of up to six are permitted under the “rule of six”.
- Pubs serving food are allowed to reopen, but “wet pubs” will have to close.
- Pubs, bars and restaurants will only be allowed to serve alcohol with a “substantial meal”.
- Last orders will be 10pm, but venues must close at 11pm.
- Outdoor grassroots sport and exercise classes are allowed.
- Gyms are allowed to reopen, regardless of tier.
- Non-essential shops will reopen all over the country.
- Salons (hairdressers, tattoo studios, etc) will be open.
- Up to 2000 fans (or 50% capacity, whichever is lower) can attend outdoor sporting events, and 1000 fans for indoor events.
- Weddings can take place with up to 15 guests, including a reception. Funerals can go ahead with up to 30 guests.
- We’re advised to travel as little as possible, and avoid Tier 3 areas except for things like work, education and medical visits.
- Overnight stays (staycations) are permitted, with members of your household or support bubble.
- Restrictions will be lifted across the UK for a five day period over Christmas, from December 23–27.
Changes for the areas that have moved tiers come into force 12.01am on Saturday, December 19.