VAST parts of Essex will be plunged into tough Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions from midnight tonight. 

 

Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon and Rochford will move to Tier 3 at 00.01 tomorrow. 

They will be joined by neighbouring unitary councils Southend and Thurrock.

Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring will remain in Tier 2 for the time-being but will be reviewed by the government on tomorrow. 

Under Tier 3, shops can still open while personal care, such as hairdressers, is still permitted to go ahead.

But the hospitality sector will bear the brunt of the changes

Here are the main rules for Tier 3

  • you must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble - this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues
  • you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility – this is called the rule of 6
  • avoid travelling outside of your area, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey
  • bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants must close – they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services
  • hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must close. There are several exemptions, such as for those who use these venues as their main residence, and those requiring the venues where it is reasonably necessary for work or education and training
  • indoor play centres and areas, including trampolining parks and soft play must close
  • casinos, cinemas bingo halls, bowling alleys, skating rinks, amusement arcades and adult gaming centres must all close
  • theme parks must close
  • leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead
  • large outdoor events (such as performances and shows) should not take place, with the exception of drive-in events
  • places of worship remain open, but you must not attend with or socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies
  • weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend linked commemorative events
  • organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place
  • organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes cannot take place indoors.