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Gloucestershire Business News

Gloucestershire stays under tier two restrictions

Gloucestershire will remain in tier two of the Government's coronavirus restrictions despite a rise in infection rates.

There had been fears the county could move up to the higher level of restrictions which would have closed hospitality venues for all but takeaways and deliveries.

Gloucester and parts of Forest of Dean and the Stroud district have seen rising infection weeks over the past couple of weeks.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock outlined the result of the tiers review with regions in the south and south east moving up from tier two to tier three from Saturday with infections rates up 46 per cent in parts of the south east.

London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire moved into tier three from yesterday.

Only three districts in England are dropping down tiers with Bristol and North Somerset moving from tier three to tier two due to falling infection rates.

Herefordshire moves from tier two to join Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight as the only areas in the lowest tier of restrictions.

South Gloucestershire will be the only part of the south west remaining in tier three.

Mr Hancock said: "No one wants tougher restrictions any longer than necessary. We've come so far, we mustn't blow it now.

"As we enter the coldest months we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control,"

The changes mean 38 million people in England - 68 per cent of the population - will be in tier three areas from Saturday.

From December 23-27, people across the UK will be able to mix in homes with their Christmas bubble - of up to three households in England - with travel restrictions lifted.

Government advice for tier two says:

  • You must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting.
  • You must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside.
  • Businesses and venues can continue to operate in a Covid-secure manner other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs.
  • Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals.
  • Hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to provide table service only, close from 11pm-5am (except hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas) and stop taking orders after 10pm.
  • Venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.
  • Early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm to conclude performances that start before 10pm.
  • Public attendance at outdoor and indoor events, spectator sport and business events is permitted, limited to whichever is lower - 50 per cent capacity or 2,000 people outdoors/1,000 people indoors.
  • Places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors, unless a legal exemption applies.
  • Weddings and funerals can go ahead - 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events.
  • Organised outdoor sport and physical activity and exercise classes can continue
  • Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing.
  • You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible,
  • You must continue to follow tier two rules when you travel to a tier one area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier three areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment or because of caring responsibilities.You can travel through a tier three area as a part of a longer journey.

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