The Government has announced today that Central Bedfordshire will be required to follow the tier two measures when we move out of the national restrictions on 2 December.
The three-tier system has been revised, it now applies to wider areas rather than local authority areas and the restrictions are stricter.
As such, Bedford and Luton are also in tier two. So too are Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
Most areas, including London, will be in tier two with some areas with the highest Covid rates being in tier three – the highest level.
Differences between the tiers include limits on where households can meet up and pubs being open.
In tier two, the rule of six remains for gatherings outdoors but there is to be no household mixing indoors (apart from support bubbles).
Pubs and bars must close unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Venues must stop taking orders at 10pm and close by 11pm.
Gyms and leisure centres can remain open, as will schools, early years settings and colleges and universities.
The attached summary explains the restrictions in more detail for a tier two area.
The tier system will be regularly reviewed, and an area’s tier level may change before Christmas – the first review is scheduled for 16 December.
We will be communicating this information to our residents and urging everyone to continue to play their part in controlling the virus to protect their loved ones, protect the NHS, protect the economy and protect us from tougher restrictions. Please do help us in sharing this information and encouraging residents to continue to play their part.