What are the rules of the three-tier system and what areas do they cover?

A seventh of England’s population will be in the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions by the end of the week.
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More than eight million people will be living under the toughest coronavirus measures, but what does it mean and what can you do?

Who is in Tier 3?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Picture: Getty Images.Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Picture: Getty Images.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Picture: Getty Images.
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The Government confirmed on Monday, October 26 that Warrington will be relegated to Tier 3 on Tuesday, October 27.

Nottingham and the boroughs of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe will join it on Thursday, October 29.

Greater Manchester went into top tier restrictions at midnight on Saturday (October 24).

Large areas of South Yorkshire including Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield were also placed into Tier 3 at the same time.

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Liverpool City Region has been in Tier 3 since Wednesday, October 14, and was joined by Lancashire two days later.

What does Tier 3 mean?

Social mixing is banned both indoors and in private gardens, while pubs and bars must close unless they can operate as a restaurant.

The rule of six applies in some outdoor settings such as parks, public gardens and sports courts.

Local leaders help the Government to determine whether other venues should be closed, such as gyms or casinos.

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Shops, places of worship, schools and colleges can remain open, while universities have the option to move to greater online provision.

Up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings and 30 people can attend funerals, with 15 allowed at wakes. Wedding receptions are banned.

People living in Tier 3 areas are advised against overnight stays in other parts of the UK and should avoid travel in and out of the area, unless it is for work, education or caring responsibilities.

Number 10 confirmed that, under Tier 2 and 3 rules on household mixing, people can still meet up for work meetings indoors under certain circumstances.

What happens in Tier 2?

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Areas categorised as high risk have restrictions on household mixing indoors, while the rule of six continues to apply outdoors.

People must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they live with them or have formed a support bubble with them.

Shops, gyms, education settings, and places of worship can remain open, with overnight stays permitted.

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Up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings and up to 30 people allowed at funerals, with 15 allowed at receptions and wakes.

Travel advice for those living in Tier 2 areas is to reduce the number of journeys they take where possible and avoid travel into very high Tier 3 areas.

What restrictions are placed on areas in Tier 1?

Areas classed as medium risk are subject to the same national measures which were commonplace across England earlier this year.

These include the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and a ban on most gatherings of more than six people.

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Like Tier 2, up to 15 guests will be allowed at weddings and up to 30 people allowed at funerals, with 15 allowed at receptions and wakes.

Shops, gyms, all education settings, and places of worship will remain open, with overnight stays permitted and no travel restrictions within the area.

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