BORIS Johnson looks set to add a fourth tier to England’s system of coronavirus measures.
But what will you be able to do in each tier after today? Here’s what you need to know.
What are the rules for the four tiers?
Across all the first three tiers, all shops and public buildings were allowed to reopen when lockdown was lifted on December 2.
Personal care and close contact services such as hairdressers and beauty salons also opened once more.
Gyms, leisure centres and indoor sport could recommence but indoor group activities and classes couldn’t take place at tier 3.
Places of worship could reopen and funerals and weddings can take place with restrictions.
However, attending nightclubs and large pub gatherings remained illegal across all tiers.
The measures for tier four are expected to be stricter, although the details are yet to be announced.
Tier 1
Rule of six and 10pm curfew – but people will have until 11pm to finish drinks and leave.
Tier 2
Alcohol can only be served as part of a substantial meal. Rule of six applies outside for meeting people, and no household mixing inside.
Tier 3
Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality will have to close, but can do takeaway, delivery and drive through.
Indoor entertainment will have to shut – including cinemas, casinos, bowling alleys, soft play and other venues will have to close.
No households are allowed to mix inside or out, but they can mix in some public places like parks if they abide by the rule of six.
Businesses that will be forced to shut will be able to access the same furlough package of support that they had before.
Tier 4
Tier four is set to be announced for London, the southeast, and the east of England, according to reports.
It comes amid a rise in infection rates and concerns that a new variant of coronavirus is “spreading rapidly” in parts of the country.
Reports suggest that support bubbles will not be allowed over the festive period in tier four areas, including on Christmas day.
People are also expected to be told to stay at home.
What Tier will I be in?
More than 99 per cent of the country is in the upper tiers, with just the Isle of Wight, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in the lower Tier 1.
Some 32 million people in England – just over 56 per cent of the population – will be in Tier 2, and nearly 42 per cent (23 million people) in Tier 3.
Matt Hancock unveiled the tiers on November 26 in the House of Commons – confirming the “stay at home” order will end, and shops, gyms and personal care will reopen.
Mr Hancock said: “We cannot simply flick a switch and try to return to life straight back to normal.
“If we did this we would undo the hard work of so many and see the NHS overwhelmed.”
Liverpool is being hailed as a success story after mass testing by the Army helped bring infection rates down to 162 per 100,000 people from 700 five weeks ago.
It has gone from Tier 3 into Tier 2 and provides a model for others to get out of the top tier too.
What will be able to reopen?
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can return from today, December 2.
And close contact services will be allowed – including beauty appointments, tattoos, nails and haircuts.
Officials were concerned that they would be unable to stop people going from Tier 3 areas into Tier 2 ones to sneak in an appointment before Christmas – so made the blanket rules.
Venues must continue to be Covid-secure with visors and face-masks to protect both customers and staff.
Can I see the football now?
Sports fans in Britain can return to indoor and outdoor events from today, December 2 onwards as the PM relaxes the sport coronavirus rules for Christmas.
In a huge boost for the nation, fans in Tier 1 and 2 will be allowed to watch Premier League games and other sporting events in the flesh after the lockdown ends.
A set number of fans will be allowed into stadiums to cheer on their teams.
However, those in Tier 3 areas will continue to be locked out.
Can I get married?
Weddings will be able to take place across England – but receptions will be banned in the top Tier 3.
The rules will go back to how they were in October – with 15 guests allowed at weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.
Mr Johnson said: “Collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume, and shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector can reopen.”
