London, along with parts of Essex and Hertfordshire, will enter Tier 3 (Very High alert) lockdown restrictions from midnight Wednesday 16th December 2020 (technically from 00:01 hours).
The pandemic is showing no signs of abating with the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, even saying a new strain of the coronavirus might be the cause of the recent surge in London cases, which has prompted the decision to put London into Tier 3 restrictions.
So, what does this mean for Londoners and businesses?
The biggest differences between Tier 2 (current level) and Tier 3 restrictions are the closure of:
- Restaurants (takeaway services can remain open)
- Accommodation (such as hotels, B&Bs, etc.)
- Indoor entertainment venues
- Sporting arenas for fans
- Indoor attractions at outdoor venues (zoos, museums, galleries, etc.)
Other than these, most other things remain with the same restrictions as in Tier 2. The following places and events can still remain open or go ahead, with restrictions:
- Retail
- Places of worship
- Gyms
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Schools
For a full breakdown of Tier 3 lockdown rules, please visit: GOV.UK
It goes without saying that wearing face masks, washing hands, social distancing, not mixing with others outside the household, and using common sense are required, regardless of what tier London is in, and will be for many months ahead.
What about Christmas?
The current position of the government is that for five days over Christmas – 23 December to 27 December – there is to be a UK-wide relaxation of rules to allow up to three households to form a bubble so they can mix indoors and stay overnight to enjoy the festive period together. This “Christmas bubble” position could, however, be changed as MPs, scientists, and doctors are calling for a rethink of the policy. Pubs, bars, and restaurants will still remain closed in Tier 3 lockdown areas.
Will there be a third lockdown?
Will the closure of these additional places (in Tier 3) have any impact on the spread of the coronavirus? It’s very unlikely. Greater London (Zone 2-4) was fairly busy during the second lockdown (in November) and has gotten busier since it ended and we went into the tiered system of restrictions. The attempt to hamper the spread by going from Tier 2 to Tier 3 seems futile. With new cases rising, even amongst school children, the festive period approaching, and a possible new strain of the coronavirus already spreading, it’s likely a third lockdown will be required come January 2021.