Tier 3 restrictions to be enforced on whole of Notts from Friday

The introduction of Tier 3 restrictions will begin at one minute past midnight on Friday morning and will include the whole of Nottinghamshire.

The decision comes after a last minute Government U-turn to include all other areas of the county in Tier 3 rules after initially ruling that only Nottingham city, Rushcliffe, Gedling and Broxtowe should be placed in the highest tier.

Higher infection rates and hospital admissions in the wider county region appear to have forced the Government’s hand.

Talks between borough council leaders and the Government took place this morning. The restrictions will be reviewed after 28 days.

Jason Zadrozny, the leader of Ashfield district council, has told the Guardian that the county had been placed in “tier 3 plus”, adding that nail parlours, tanning salons and tattoo parlours would have to close under the new regime.

Richard Blackmore, CBI East Midlands director, said:“Public health comes first, and getting a grip on rising infection rates is vital for confidence, which is critical for the UK’s economic recovery.

“However, greater co-ordination between local and central government is vital if the three-tier system is to succeed. The ongoing lack of clarity is costing businesses. Firms affected need to clearly understand what restrictions apply and how to access the support package quickly and effectively, allowing them move with speed to protect jobs and livelihoods.

“Clear communication and transparent evidence for new restrictions is essential to instilling confidence and ensuring compliance. Firms also want to see criteria for a tangible pathway to the timely easing of any new restrictions. This will be vital for enabling firms to re-mobilise supply chains and be ready to re-open.”

The Tier 3 restrictions mean:

• People must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they are part of their household or support bubble. This includes private homes and indoors in hospitality venues, such as pubs.
• People must not meet with people outside of their household or support bubble in a private garden or in most outdoor public venues.
• People can continue to see friends and family in groups of six or less that they don’t live with (or have formed a support bubble with) in certain outdoor public spaces, such as a park or public garden.
• All pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals, such as a main lunchtime or evening meal. They can only serve alcohol as part of a meal. Pubs, bars and restaurants must still close between 10pm and 5am.
• Wedding receptions will not be permitted, but people can get married with a maximum of 15 people at the ceremony (check with the venue for additional restrictions).
• Avoid travelling outside the Very High alert area or entering a Very High alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities, or to travel through as part of a longer journey.
• Avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK.

As well as the main Tier 3 restrictions, Council leaders have agreed the following additional local restrictions: