All shops – even in toughest new tiers – can remain open when lockdown ends in 10 days
ALL shops will remain open when lockdown ends in just 10 days time – even if they’re in the strictest tiers of Boris Johnson’s new tough shutdown plan.
The Prime Minister today revealed that England’s month-long lockdown will end, as promised, on December 2.
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And he released more information on plans for strict new measures to keep the virus under control – described to this paper as “tiers on steroids” by a source.
More areas could shift into the strictest Tier 3 rules under the proposals, with regions affected set to be decided at a meeting on Thursday.
But despite that, there’s good news for businesses – as all shops can remain open.
Non-essential businesses were forced to close their doors yet again under the new measures.
The news will give a welcome boost to traders who have so far lost out on the usual Christmas rush.
The new rules, which will come in next week include:
- Households will be only able to meet up in Tier 3 in outdoor spaces like parks
- Pubs and restaurants in the top Tier will have to stay shut – but drive-throughs and deliveries can continue
- Tier 2 pub rules will be toughened, with only places serving food with drinks allowed even outside
- Pubs, restaurants, casinos, bowling alleys, soft play areas, museums, galleries and cinemas in Tier 3 will have to stay shut
- Gyms and beauty salons can open across the nation – and all shops will open their doors again
- Brits will be able to go to see football matches in the lower tiers from December 2 onwards
- Elderly Brits will be able to come out of care homes to spend Christmas with the family if everyone tests negative
- New parents with a kid under one will be allowed to form support bubbles
- The Rule of Six will return across all Tiers but the 10pm curfew will be moved to 11pm
- Weddings will be allowed to take place with 15 guests – but receptions are banned in Tier 3, and collective worship can continue
There will also be harsher controls on households mixing indoors – with Brits forced to keep away from families and friends until Easter.
During the address, Mr Johnson gave further details about what Brits can expect for their festive celebrations after months of speculation.
There is expected to be a four-nation ‘truce’, which will see all families across the UK allowed the same number of days to celebrate with loved ones.
Scientists last week warned that up to five days of tough lockdown could be needed to compensate for each day with fewer restrictions – meaning there could be up to 25 days of tighter rules.
But Mr Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have emphasised the need to return to a “functioning economy”.
In brighter news, the much-criticised 10pm curfew will be binned.
The PM will extend opening hours until 11pm – and while last orders will still be called at 10pm, punters will get another hour to finish drinks and meals.
Government officials are said to have a sense of renewed optimism over the success of vaccines, with one source claiming Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has a “spring in his step”.
No 10 is adamant recent positive news could mean restrictions are gradually wound down towards spring 2021.
