Which areas of Essex and Hertfordshire are in Tier 3?
ESSEX and Hertfordshire have joined London in becoming the latest areas of England to go into Tier 3 restrictions.
During a statement to the Commons, Matt Hancock announced that London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire would go into Tier 3 - with changes active from midnight on Wednesday, 16 December, 2020.
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Which parts of Essex are in Tier 3?
Matt Hancock announced in the Commons that Essex would be going into Tier 3 from 16 December 2020.
Under tier three, pubs and bars that do not serve substantial meals are required to close.
The same applies to casinos, adult gaming centres, and soft play centres.
But, non-essential shops can remain open under tier three restrictions.
The 11 areas going into Tier 3 cover busy towns such as Basildon, Chelmsford and Braintree.
Thurrock is also affected and popular seaside resort Southend on Sea will also face the new measures.
The 11 areas of affected are:
- Basildon
- Brentwood
- Harlow
- Epping Forest
- Castle Point
- Rochford
- Maldon
- Braintree
- Chelmsford
- Thurrock
- Southend on Sea
Which parts of Hertfordshire are in Tier 3?
has the least number of areas affected by the new Tier 3 restrictions.
The four areas of Hertfordshire affected are:
- Broxbourne
- Hertsmere
- Watford
- Three Rivers
How long will Essex and Hertfordshire be in Tier 3?
England's updated tier system was first reviewed on December 14, 2020.
During the review. the Government consider the views of local directors of public health, with a final decision on whether any areas should change tiers made at a Cabinet committee.
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Tiers across England will then be reviewed every two weeks - with the next date scheduled for December 28, 2020.
But it is unclear at present on an exact end date for Tier, which can be ongoing to reflect high numbers of cases in two counties.
After the fourth review on January 27, the tier regulations will be brought to Parliament again.