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BORIS Johnson addressed the nation to introduce a raft of new lockdown restrictions.

The Prime Minister explained the new tiered lockdown system in a bid to curtail the rising number of coronavirus infections in parts of the country.

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Boris Johnson unveiled the Government's new plans on tackling the virus in a speech on Monday, October 12Credit: HOC/JESSICA TAYLOR

What did Boris Johnson announce?

Tier system

The tier system plan outlined by Boris Johnson is designed to simplify local coronavirus lockdowns across the UK.

Tier One - medium alert level - will see current social distancing measures, the “rule of six” and a pub curfew of 10pm enforced.

Areas in Tier Two - or high alert level - will have the same restrictions plus a ban on households mixing, with the rule of six only applying outdoors, including in private gardens.

Tier Three restrictions - or very high alert level - will be much more severe and will take some parts of the UK almost back to the national lockdown rules.

Merseyside, including Liverpool, will be among the first areas to fall under the Tier Three category from Wednesday, October 14.

The Prime Minister revealed that the areas falling into each tier will be debated on Tuesday, October 13, before coming into force on Wednesday.

And the public will be able to find out which lockdown tier their area is in by doing a postcode search on the Government's website or by checking the NHS Covid app.

Pubs and bars to close in Tier Three

In Tier 3 of the new system pubs and bars will be forced to close their doors again.

However, restaurants and "food-based" pubs will remain open, and alcohol can continue to be served with a "substantial meal".

In other tiers, the 10pm curfew still applies and in Tier Two different households will not be able to meet indoors - including in pubs.

No mixing and unnecessary travel

Under Tier 3 restrictions people will not be allowed to mix with other households indoors, including in restaurants.

There would be the usual exemptions for healthcare visitors and essential visits.

People are also advised against all but essential travel and should not travel out of their areas.

Schools and shops will remain open, but other non-essential businesses will have to close

Some non-essential businesses will have to close in areas with a high R rate.

Local politicians in Tier Three areas will have to make decisions on whether places like sports centres, gyms and beauty salons can stay open.

This will cause more headaches for struggling businesses just getting back on their feet after being shut for three months during lockdown.

But the Prime Minister revealed that retail sectors will remain open, along with schools and universities.

More Test and Trace power

Local authorities are expected to get more power over Test and Trace set-ups, with the autonomy to use their own local knowledge and teams.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "We are trying to work very closely with mayors, with council leaders, with chief executives to design these measures with them. That does take time."

Mr Johnson revealed that these measures will be kept under constant review

But for those in the very high bracket will have a four-week 'sunset clause'.

Rishi Sunak's Job Support Scheme will be a helping hand to businesses

What did Rishi Sunak announce?

The PM confirmed Chancellor Rishi Sunak's announcement that workers in businesses forced to close under the new restrictions will have two-thirds of their wages paid by the Government.

Rishi Sunak said the expansion of the Job Support Scheme would protect jobs and provide "reassurance and a safety net" for people and businesses across the UK in advance of a potentially "difficult winter".

Businesses forced to close their doors will also be able to claim cash grants of £3,000 a month, payable fortnightly, which marks an increase from the previous £1,500 maximum every three weeks.