What Covid tier is Nottinghamshire in? The lockdown rules for Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 explained

New restrictions are set to be applied to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – but what are the Tier Two measures?
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Boris Johnson has announced a swathe of new lockdown restrictions for England with the introduction of a new three tiered system of local Covid-19 alert levels.

The move comes amid concerns that the virus is spreading out of control in northern England and the Midlands, forcing restrictions to be tightened in an effort to prevent further spread and relieve pressure on hospitals.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has been placed on Tier Two of the new system, despite many fearing Tier Three would have been implemented on account of the East Midlands city having the highest infection rates of anywhere in the country.

A board displaying information on how to restrict the spread of Covid-19 in central Nottingham in October 2020. (Photo: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)A board displaying information on how to restrict the spread of Covid-19 in central Nottingham in October 2020. (Photo: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
A board displaying information on how to restrict the spread of Covid-19 in central Nottingham in October 2020. (Photo: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

A total of 2,777 new Covid-19 cases were recorded in Nottingham in the seven days to 9 October, the equivalent of 834.2 cases per 100,000 people.

City council leader David Mellen has said he has been told Tier Three would be considered if rates kept on climbing.

As well as Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Glossopdale, a small area of High Peak in Derbyshire, has also been placed on "high" alert due to its infection rate.

What is the three-tier lockdown system?

After numerous reports that the measure was being considered, the Prime Minister announced a three-tier lockdown system for England on 12 October.

Areas of the country will be placed into one of three tiers, ‘Medium’, ‘High’ and ‘Very High’.

The Liverpool city region will see pubs and restaurants forced to close as well as a ban on mixing between households indoors and outdoors, as it enters the third tier, “Very High”.

Boris Johnson said he does not believe another national lockdown would be the "right course" in combating the pandemic.

What do Tier Two restrictions mean?

The high alert level reflects interventions in many areas subject to local restrictions, preventing mixing between different households indoors.

Most areas which are already subject to local restrictions will automatically move into this category, as well as Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak.

This will mean the following rules will apply:

- Social gatherings of more than six people outdoors or indoors are illegal

- Pubs and restaurants can only operate with table service and must shut by 10pm

- Meeting groups of people of six or less is allowed outdoors - although meeting in outdoor public spaces (such as beer gardens) is advised against

- Gyms, sports centres, hairdressers and cinemas will still be allowed to operate

- Work from home if you can: People who can do their job from home are expected to do so.

- Social gatherings are not allowed indoors between anyone who doesn't live together (other than bubbles and exemptions)

- People are only advised to use public transport for essential reasons

When will the restrictions come into force?

The details of the restrictions are set to be debated by MPs on Tuesday, with the rules coming into play on Wednesday (14 October).