Milton Keynes officially moves into Tier 3, government announces

The move, predicted by city officials, follows a sharp rise in city Covid cases over the past two or three weeks.

Tier 3 areas will get rapid-result Covid-19 tests with the Army stepping in if necessary to help bring down infections.

The relaxation of rules over Chrsitmas will still go ahead, but people must be cautious and keep festive celebrations "small and short" says the government. Between 23 and 27 December, you can form a 'Christmas bubble' of people from three different households. And households can travel between different tier areas to meet their bubble during that time.

You can travel between tiers and between UK nations to meet your bubble

These are the rules for Tier 3:

No mixing of households indoors or most outdoor places. The 'rule of six' applies in public outdoor spaces such as parks and sports courts.

All hospitality venues are closed, except for takeaway, drive-through or delivery

Indoor entertainment and tourist venues are closed (This includes indoor attractions at mostly outdoor venues such as zoos )

No travelling outside Milton Keynes other than where necessary. This includes foreign travel

No overnight stays outside Milton Keynes, unless necessary for work, education or similar reasons

Places of worship will be open but people cannot interact with anyone outside their household or support bubble

Funerals can have 30 guests. Weddings, civil partnerships and wakes can have 15 guests. No wedding receptions allowed

Exercise classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but higher-risk contact activity must be avoided.

Indoor leisure and sports facilities can stay open but group exercise and indoor sports should not take place, unless with household/bubble

Mayor sporting events can take place but with no spectators

Live performances, large outdoor events and large business events cannot take place but drive-in events permitted