LONDON will go into Tier 3 lockdown on Wednesday (December 16, 2020) after Covid infections in the capital rose sharply.
All the city’s boroughs were placed in Tier 2 on December 2 – but yesterday (December 14, 2020) Matt Hancock confirmed the capital will move up to the highest coronavirus lockdown level.
When does Tier 3 start in London?
Tier 3 restrictions will come into force from 12.01am on Wednesday 16 December 2020.
Ahead of a statement to the House of Commons at 3.30pm on Monday 14 December, Sky News reported that London will be moved into Tier 3 due to a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases.
The Health Secretary told local MPs that the capital will be pushed into the toughest restrictions after Sadiq Khan revealed cases had surged by 75 per cent..
London now has the highest rate of cases among any region in England.
The sharp rise in cases have sparked fears jobs and businesses will be hit when the Tier 3 restrictions come into force.
Covid expert Prof Tim Spector said this week: “Currently we have no data that suggests the NHS in England is at risk of being overwhelmed.
“Before increasing restrictions I believe a full cost-benefit evaluation should be made, that accounts for other factors such as mental health, the economy and employment.
“In all the key regions, the dashboard is either trending down or staying the same, so things aren’t getting worse.”
Meanwhile London’s overall case rate is 236 cases per 100,000 cases, according to figures from PA – higher than 22 local authorities in Tier 3.
What are the rule changes for London in Tier 3
Tier 3 is the toughest set of restrictions applied to “very high” risk areas.
The main difference in restrictions for London in Tier 3 is related to social gatherings.
In Tier 2, people can meet in groups of six outside – including places such as public spaces, private gardens and outdoor areas of pubs or restaurants.
But in Tier 3, you must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues
There are some limited exceptions to this – meaning groups of up to six people could meet in some outdoor public places such as parks, beaches, public gardens and playgrounds.
Shops will remain open as will schools.
People are advised to not travel outside their area.
And they can’t stay overnight somewhere outside of their local area unless needed for work, education or similar.
Will shops, gyms and hairdressers stay open in Tier 3?
Yes, venues such as shops, gyms and hairdressers will remain open in Tier 3.
The Government announced these venues can remain open across all tiers.
This was one of the main changes from the old to the new tier system which came into place in England after the end of lockdown on December 2.
Can I go to a pub or restaurant in Tier 3 London?
No. Sadly, in Tier 3, all hospitality venues will be forced to shut.
This includes bars, cafes, pubs, restaurants and more.
However, takeaway, click-and-collect and drive-through services can remain open
