Calderdale tier 3 restrictions: What will happen if the borough is placed in very high alert category

Several regions in England have now been placed into the ‘very high’ level for Covid-19 restrictions.

When the new three tiered system for local lockdowns was announced by the Prime Minister on 12 October, only one region was subject to the highest level of restrictions.

However, as Covid-19 infection rates continue to climb, the government has since placed three more regions under the stricter measures, with more expected to follow.

The ‘very high’ Covid alert level (Tier 3) applies to areas with the highest infection rates and includes the strictest lockdown restrictions.

You must not meet socially with family or friends indoors in any setting, unless they are part of your household or support bubble.

As well as a ban on meeting in private homes, this also includes indoor hospitality venues, such as pubs and restaurants, where they are permitted to open, leisure and entertainment venues, places of worship

You must also not meet with anyone outside of your household, or support bubble, in a private garden or in most outdoor public venues.

However, you may continue to meet family and friends who you do not live with, or have not formed a support bubble with, in groups of up to six or less in certain outdoor public spaces. These include parks, beaches, countryside, forests, public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them), allotments, outdoor sports courts and facilities, and playgrounds

When meeting socially, you must not meet in a group that exceeds six people. In England this limit of six includes children of any age.

What about childcare?

There are exceptions from the legal gatherings limits for registered childcare, education or training, and supervised activities provided for children, including wraparound care, youth groups and activities, and children’s playgroups.

This means you can continue to use early years and childcare settings, including childminders, after-school clubs and nannies.

The following people are permitted to provide childcare support in private homes and gardens:

registered childcare providers, including nannies

people in your support bubble

people in your childcare bubble

What about businesses?

In very high alert level areas, pubs and bars will be forced to close, unless they serve substantial meals, such as a main lunchtime or evening meal.

Possible further restrictions on hospitality, leisure, entertainment or personal care sectors may also be introduced, depending on discussions between central and local government.

However, retail, schools, universities and places of worship will remain open, but will be subject to the further restrictions on social contact that apply in this tier.

Venues following Covid-secure guidance can host more people in total, but no one must mix indoors or in most public outdoor venues with anyone who they do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with.