Breaking: Milton Keynes will be placed under 'high' tier 2 restrictions next week, government declares

The decision has just been announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the rating will remain in place until March apart from the short respite over Christmas.

But they will be reviewed every two weeks at least, with the first review due by December 16.

The government's tier system sees each area of the country split into medium risk (tier 1), high (tier 2) and very high (tier 3) and given a set of social distancing rules to follow. The decision is based on the number of positive tests in each area, particularly among of people aged over 60 .

Here is everything you need to know about tier 2.

When will the tier 2 restrictions start?

They will begin as soon as lockdown ends, on December 2.

Can we see family and friends?

In tier 2, you must NOT socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether this is at home or in a public place.

You can mix with other household outside but MUST stick to the rule of no more than six people. This includes gardens or any public spaces.

Will I be able to see my family at Christmas?

Yes, there will be a five day break of restrictions. More details will follow.

Are pubs and restaurants allowed to open?

Pubs and bars in tier 2 must close, unless operating as restaurants serving "substantial" meals. Other hospitality venues will only be permitted to serve alcohol if it is with a substantial meal.

Businesses that sell food or drink to eat-in must provide table service only, stop taking orders at 10pm and close at 11pm. Any establishments selling takeaway food, can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.

Will shops and gyms be open?

Non-essential shops, gyms, hairdressers, beauty parlours can reopen, subject to safety and social distancing precautions. The wider leisure sector can reopen in all tiers.

Should I work from home?

People across all three tiers that are able to work remotely are being advised to do so. But those who work in essential services, such as education, should continue to go into work where necessary.

Can weddings and funerals take place?

In tier 2, wedding ceremonies and receptions can go ahead but there must be no more than 15 guests. Funerals can still take place with no more than 30 guests. Places of worship remain open but people must not socialise with anybody from outside of their household or support bubble while they are inside the building..

Am I allowed to travel?

People in tier 2 areas can continue to travel if necessary, and this includes international travel, But should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. Face coverings must be worn on all public transport unless there is a valid execption.

Will cinemas and entertainment venues be open?

Cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks and bingo halls will be allowed to open but must close by 11pm. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm

Can I go to a football match?

In tier 2, spectator sports will be also allowed to resume both indoors and outdoors, but there will be limited numbers and social distancing in place.

In outdoor venues, 2,000 people, or 50 per cent of usual capacity, will be allowed to attend. Indoors, the limit will be 1,000 people.

Can I still have my support bubble?

You can form a support or childcare bubble in several cases. These include:

* If you’re in a single-adult household, or if you live by yourself or share custody of your child with someone you do not live with.

* If you’re a single-adult household, you can form a support bubble with another household other than the one that includes your child’s other parent.

* If you have children under 14 you may be able to form a childcare bubble. This is separate from support bubbles.

* If you’re eligible, you can form one childcare bubble and one support bubble with different households

Support and childcare bubbles have been expanded. From 2 December you can form a support bubble if you are the only adult in your household, or if

you have a child under the age of one, or if you live with a child under five with a disability that needs continuous care.

What is the difference between the three tiers?

In tier 1, the lowest risk area, people can mix with other households indoors but must still stick to the rule of six. All pubs and hospitality venues can stay open, regardless of whether they serve food, and larger crowds (4,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors) are allowed at sporting venues or business events.

In tier 3, all pubs and restaurants are closed and allowed takeaways only. Indoor venues are closed and sporting events cannot take place.

The decision is put Milton Keynes in tier 2 was made because the number of new Covid cases has been significantly increasing, day after day, since the November 5 lockdown. This rate of increase has been one of the highest in the country,

Today, MK Council leader Pete Parland said: “Milton Keynes, along with our neighbours in Bedfordshire, has been placed in Tier 2 of restrictions when the national lockdown ends. Our current infection rates and hospital admissions did mean this was going to be the most likely outcome."

He added: "The main impact is that households are unable to mix indoors and certain restrictions will be placed on hospitality.

"We must now work really hard to bring the rate down across MK. It is possible if this does not happen we will move towards an even higher tier and even more restrictions. However by working together, staying home if you can, taking care and respecting social distancing we can bring the rate down.”