Tier 3 restrictions to begin on Thursday

Nottingham and parts of Nottinghamshire will be moved into Tier 3 of the Covid-19 restrictions from Thursday.

The measures, which followed discussions between Government and council leaders, are expected to last for at least four weeks.

Nottingham, Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe Council areas will face enhanced restrictions from one minute past midnight on Thursday, October 29.

A package of support measures designed to achieve a sustained reduction in infection rates have been agreed and will be confirmed tomorrow. There will also be measures to help residents and businesses who will be impacted by the new restrictions.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We urge the Government and those local authorities impacted to ensure they provide clear communication to businesses between now and Thursday about what they need to do, as well as highlighting the support available to them and how it can be accessed.

“While we understand the public health reasons for this decision, it will have a significantly detrimental impact on people’s lives in the areas affected, so it is vitally important the Government is also transparent in what the exit strategy is.

“Businesses and communities must be aware of which tests must be passed, and when, in order for the area to come out of tier three lockdown. This situation can’t be allowed to continue for any longer than is absolutely necessary.”

Rick Blackmore, CBI East Midlands director, said: “Businesses in Nottingham know public health must come first and recognise that getting a grip on rising infection rates is vital to maintain confidence and avoid further restrictions in the months ahead.

“Yet there is no escaping the impact of the additional restrictions of tier 3. Firms in hard-hit sectors like hospitality, leisure and tourism – and their supply chains – have seen only a limited recovery from the earlier lockdown. The Chancellor’s new package of support announced last week will help.

“Clear communication and transparent evidence for new restrictions will be essential to sustain confidence and ensure compliance. Firms will also want to see criteria for a tangible pathway to the timely easing of these new restrictions.”

For areas in tier 3, the additional restrictions have usually meant:

People are prohibited from socialising with anybody they do not live with, or have not formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting, private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events.

Tradespeople can continue to go into a household for work.

The rule of six continues to apply to outdoor public spaces, such as parks, beaches, public gardens or sports venues.

Pubs and bars are only permitted to remain open to operate as restaurants, in which case alcohol can only be served as part of a substantial meal.

Schools and universities remain open.

Places of worship remain open but household mixing is not permitted.

Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of people attending (15 and 30 respectively), but wedding receptions are not allowed.

The rules for exercise classes and organised sport are the same as in tier 2. They can continue to take place outdoors, but will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with others they do not live with (or share a support bubble with), or for youth or disability sport.

Travelling outside, or entering, a tier 3 area should be avoided unless for work, education or youth services, to meet caring responsibilities, or if travelling through the area as part of a longer journey.

Residents of a tier 3 area should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, while people who live in a tier 1 or tier 2 area should avoid staying overnight in a tier 3 area.