Prime Minister announces new three-tiered Lockdown framework for England

“The Prime Minister has presented a new three-tiered system for England to Parliament this afternoon.

The three alert levels are ‘medium’, ‘high’ and ‘very high’, and are applicable locally.

‘Medium’ alert level reflects the current measures covering most of the country, imposing the rule of 6 and the 10pm hospitality curfew.

The ‘high’ alert level is the next step up and reflects the increased restrictions currently imposed locally. This prevents mixing between different households or bubbles indoors, with the rule of 6 to continue to apply outdoors, in public spaces and private gardens.

Most areas currently under increased local restrictions will move into as ‘high’ alert, with the addition of Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak.

The ‘very high’ alert level is the most severe of the three, and applies where transmission rates are rising the fastest. Social mixing indoors and in private gardens are prohibited, alongside the closure of pubs and bars,

Retail, schools and universities are to remain open.

Local Authorities in the Liverpool City Region will move into the “very high” alert level from Wednesday.

In addition to the baseline the Prime Minister has outlined, that is as well as pubs and bars, in Merseyside gyms and leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos will also close.

A four-week sunset clause will be included on all areas moved into the ‘very high’ alert level to ensure the measures are kept under constant review.

The NHS Covid-19 app and Gov.uk website is to be updated to include a postcode search to show what alert level applies to what area.

Regulations are to be laid before the House later today, and then debated and voted on tomorrow to then come into force on Wednesday. Guidance is to follow.”