Will the lockdown continue and what will reopen when it finally ends? As Boris Johnson plans a NEW system of tiered Covid-19 restrictions next month, we answer the most pressing questions
Will the lockdown continue?
No. Boris Johnson will confirm today the lockdown will end on December 2. It will be replaced by a system of regional restrictions in three tiers.
Will the tiers be the same as before?
No. The Government will revert to a three-tier system, but Chancellor Rishi Sunak said it will be ‘tougher’ than before the lockdown.
What were the tiers before?
Three tiers of restrictions operated in England. Tier One contained only national restrictions like the 10pm curfew and Rule of Six, under which gatherings of more than six people are illegal unless they are all from the same household or bubble.
In Tier One pubs will be allowed to remain open until 11pm, in Tier Two the curfew of 10pm still stands, while in Tier Three you can't go to the pub at all
Gyms are expected to reopen across all three tiers
The decision will depend on a range of factors, including the number of Covid cases, local NHS capacity and the local R-number – the rate at which the virus is spreading
Tier Two added a ban on indoor socialising, while Tier Three restricted pubs and restaurants to providing a takeaway service and banned wedding receptions and overnight stays.
What will reopen when the lockdown ends?
Shops are expected to reopen to allow them some Christmas trade. Gyms will reopen and outdoor sport is likely to restart.
Betting shops are likely to close in the higher tiers and hospitality venues will probably remain takeaway-only in parts of the country, with restrictions on houses mixing elsewhere.
Will I be able to see family and friends?
The Rule of Six will remain in place. Indoor socialising with other households will remain banned in the top two tiers and is likely to be restricted in the lowest tier as well.
What about Christmas?
Mr Johnson is pushing for a five-day break from the rules, during which time people from up to three different households would be allowed to mix.
Shops are expected to reopen to allow them some Christmas trade, gyms will reopen and outdoor sport is likely to restart
How will they pick which tier my area goes into?
Ministers will announce on Thursday which tiers will apply to which parts of the country.
The decision will depend on a range of factors, including the number of Covid cases, local NHS capacity and the local R-number – the rate at which the virus is spreading. But Government sources have said that ‘most people’ will be in the top two tiers.
Will 10pm curfew stay?
No. Pubs and restaurants will stop serving alcohol at 10pm, but customers will have until 11pm to drink up and leave.
How long will the new tier system last?
Government sources said it was expected to remain until spring.