Herefordshire moves to Tier 1: what you need to know

The announcement that the county would move from Tier 2 to Tier 1 was made yesterday (December 17) by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, while large swathes of England were simultaneously plunged into the toughest tier of restrictions, Tier 3.

But what does the new tier mean for us in Herefordshire?

Tier 1: what can I do?

Who can I meet, and where can I meet them?

You can meet with friends and family you do not live with in a group of up to 6, indoors or outdoors.This limit of 6 includes children of any age.

You can continue to meet in a group larger than 6 if you are all from the same household or support bubble or another legal exemption applies.

Can I go to the pub?

Yes - and you don't need to order a substantial meal (or even a scotch egg) with your drink. But the rule of six applies, and pubs and restaurants must offer table service only.

Pubs and restaurants must stop taking orders at 10pm and must be closed between 11pm and 5am, although takeaways can continue to operate until 11pm, at which point all orders must be made through a delivery service, click-and-collect, or drive-through.

Nightclubs cannot reopen yet.

What about weddings and funerals?

Places of worship can open, but you cannot interact with more than six people.

A maximum of 15 people can attend weddings and receptions, while up to 30 people can attend a funeral or a wake, but neither can be held in private dwellings.

And how about sports?

Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but must follow the rule of six indoors. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue.

Sport, live performances and business meetings limited to 50% capacity or 4000 people outdoors (whichever is lower) and 50% capacity or 1000 people indoors (whichever is lower)

Can I travel to a Tier 2 or 3 area?

If you travel to an area in a higher tier, you should follow the rules for that area while you are there.

People from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 area must continue to follow the Tier 2 and 3 rules when travelling to Herefordshire.

Avoid travel to or overnight stays in Tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, medical treatment, moving house, or education.

You can travel through a Tier 3 area as part of a longer journey.

Should I go back to the office?

No. The Government is continuing to advise that everyone who can work from home should do so. Those who cannot work from home should continue to travel to their workplace.

If you break the rules

The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines (fixed penalty notices).

You can be given a fixed penalty notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for each further offence up to £6,400. If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.