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Boris Johnson confirms England will return to three tier system from December 2nd

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4 years ago

November 23, 2020

Boris Johnson addressed the Commons remotely today, to lay out his ‘Covid Winter Plan’.

The Prime Minister spoke to MPs via videolink as he is still self-isolating.

Mr Johnson confirmed that England would be returning to the regional three tier system which was in place before lockdown began.

However, he announced that the three tiers would each become stricter to try and stop the spread of the virus.

In Tier 1, people should work from home where it is possible, while in Tier 2 alcohol can only be served as part of a substantial meal, and in Tier 3 indoor entertainment, hotels and all hospitality will have to close – except for deliveries and takeaways.

Also in Tiers 1 and 2, the 10pm curfew for pubs and bars will end, with last orders being at 10pm and establishments closing at 11pm, allowing people to leave in a more staggered way.

The Prime Minister confirmed that gyms, hairdressers, salons and all shops could reopen at the end of lockdown, and that outdoor sports can resume.

He also announced that some fans will be allowed back into sports stadiums in Tier 1 and 2 areas.

Covid Winter plan. The new tougher tiers
T1 – People encouraged to minimise travel and work from home
T2 – Alcohol may only be served as part of substantial meal
T3 – Hospitality closed except for delivery ad takeaway. Indoor entertainment also closed.
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) November 23, 2020

Big picture for next few months.
1/ PM confirms Eng lockdown will end Dec 2 & “not be renewed”
2/ But regional tiers will be tougher AND will stay in place until the end of March. “long road until spring”
3/ At least we have (to quote PM) an “escape route in sight” via vaccines
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) November 23, 2020

Mr Johnson said that ‘more regions will temporarily fall into the higher levels’, but that with mass testing it should be possible for these areas to move into lower tiers.

The government is also working with the devolved administrations of the UK to come up with a plan for Christmas, according to the Prime Minister, although he added: “I can’t say that Christmas will be normal this year”.

The government is also planning to ‘end automatic isolation’ for anyone who has come into contact with someone who has coronavirus, with a testing scheme replacing it, which will be piloted in Liverpool.

In the pilot, people who have come into contact with anyone who’s tested positive will be tested every day for a week – they’ll only need to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus.

It’s expected the details of what tier the different regions and areas of England will be placed in will be announced on Thursday.