These are the restrictions for gyms pubs, hairdressers, shops and pubs as Government confirms North East will remain in tier three

It was announced on Thursday, December 17, that the region would remain in tier three.

Those placed in the ‘very high’ category of the Government’s alert system face the toughest restrictions.

Here’s what it means for bars, shops, hairdressers and barbers and gyms.

Pubs and bars

*In very high alert level areas, pubs and bars will be closed – though they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.

*Businesses must ensure that they operate in a Covid-secure manner.

*Certain businesses and venues are required to collect customer, visitor and staff data to support NHS Test and Trace.

*Venues who fail to comply may face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution, or in some cases closure.

Gyms and leisure centres

*Leisure centres and gyms can remain open, and provision should still be available for elite athletes, youth and disabled sport and physical activity.

*Group exercise classes, including fitness and dance should not go ahead.

*Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue but group exercise activities and sports indoors should not take place, unless with your household or support bubble.

*Social interaction before and after should be limited to people from the same household or support bubble.

*There are exceptions for disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place in any number.

Shops

*These can remain open, with businesses told to follow the Covid guidance.

Hairdressers and barbers

*The Government says personal care and close contact services can remain open.

A message from the editor:

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. SImply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.