UK orders London and nearby areas to follow tough new Covid rules
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced tough new restrictions and social distancing measures for London and nearby areas on Saturday in an attempt to slow the spread of a new, highly transmissible variant of the coronavirus.
NEW TIER 4
- London and parts of the south east and east of England currently in the highest Tier 3 category will enter a new Tier 4 level of restrictions, roughly equivalent to England's lockdown in November.
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- Residents in Tier 4 areas must stay at home, apart from limited exemptions.
- Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, and personal care services must close.
- People must work from home if possible, but may travel to work if necessary, for example in construction and manufacturing.
- People should not enter or leave Tier 4 areas and residents must not stay overnight away from home.
- Individuals can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space.
- Communal worship can continue to take place.
- The measures will take effect from Sunday morning.
- A next formal review of the tiers system is due to take place on Dec. 30.
TRAVEL
- The government has asked people across the United Kingdom to stay local and consider whether they need to travel abroad.
- People in Tier 4 areas will not be permitted to travel abroad apart from limited exceptions, such as for work.
CHRISTMAS
- People in Tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their own household, but "support bubbles" will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation.
- Across the rest of the UK, rules allowing up to three households to meet will be limited to Christmas Day only, rather than the five days previously set out.
- There will be no relaxation on Dec 31, as previously announced.
