London Tier 2 lockdown rules: What you can and can’t do explained
LONDON remains under a strict new lockdown amid concerns over rising coronavirus cases.
However on December 2 the capital will enter Tier 2 restrictions under the new three-step shutdown plan.
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When will the new rules come into force?
The new tier rules will come into force on December 2 with the Health Secretary warning it was critical to have stricter rules in the "majority of England" to prevent the spread of the deadly bug.
Matt Hancock said: "We cannot simply flick a switch and try to return to life straight back to normal.
"If we did this we would undo the hard work of so many and see the NHS overwhelmed."
What is Tier Two?
The government has introduced a new three-tiered system to simplify local lockdowns in coronavirus hotspots to replace the national lockdown.
Boris Johnson has ushered in a stricter model of tiered restrictions to try and keep the virus in check until the spring.
Under the system, there are three tiers - Tier 2, Tier 2 and Tier 3.
In areas with particularly high levels of infection, pubs and restaurants will close, households can't mix indoors or in most outdoor places and live events are banned.
Matt Hancock unveiled the new tiers this morning in the House of Commons - confirming the 'stay at home' order will end, and shops, gyms and personal care will reopen.
He said this morning: "These are not easy decisions, but they have been made according to the best clinical advice."
The Rule of Six and 10pm curfew will return, too.
What can I do in Tier Two?
People in areas in Tier Two - where there is a high risk of coronavirus - are banned from mixing with other households indoors, including in pubs.
When meeting outside, people will have to stick to the rule of six.
Pubs in Tier 2 will have to close unless they serve a 'substantial meal while last orders will be at 10pm.
However businesses and venues can continue to operate in a Covid-secure way.
So if you're a Londoner, you'll still be able to go for a pint - as long as you're going with members of your household.
But you'll still be able to get a takeaway where that's offered after 10pm - as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru.
Schools, universities and places of worship will remain open.
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees.
Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can only take place with people in your bubble but outdoor sports are allowed and gyms will reopen.
Live events are limited to 50% capacity, or 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 indoors.
Londoners will also be asked to reduce the number of journeys they make - and walk or cycle where possible.
What is banned in London in Tier Two?
The biggest and most significant change will be that millions of people in the capital won't be able to meet people from other households indoors, whether that's in their home or in a pub.
Residents will be banned from seeing friends or family not living in the same household as them inside.
That rule covers homes and other settings, like the retail, entertainment, leisure and hospitality sector.
Under the second-tier level, up to six people from two households can mix in an outside garden, however.
Venues that definitely are classed as indoor settings include restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs, casinos, and cafes.
Journeys by public transport aren't banned - although Brits are being asked to avoid buses and trains if they can.
Why is London in Tier 2 and how many cases are there?
The government's new winter plan is designed to protected the NHS over the coming months and protect the vulnerable.
Covid cases continue to remain high and Mr Johnson hopes that by enacting stricter measures now, it means that more of us will be able to see our families over Christmas.
The new tier system is designed to keep the R rate down during the critical winter months.
Matt Hancock said: "We cannot simply flick a switch and try to return to life straight back to normal.
"If we did this we would undo the hard work of so many and see the NHS overwhelmed."
Where else in England is in Tier Two?
Millions of people have been plunged into Tier 2 restrictions.
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Most of the country will lie under Tier 2 and Tier 2 rules, with only the Isle of Wight, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly entering Tier 1.
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