Herefordshire placed in Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions

The government have announced that Herefordshire will be under Tier 2 High Alert COVID-19 restrictions when the national lockdown ends on 2nd December.

Herefordshire has been placed in Tier 2 High Alert as it has been identified as an area with a higher or rapidly rising level of infection.

What does Tier 2 mean?

• you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
• you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
• businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
• pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals with last orders at 10pm
• public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
• places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies
• weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies
• organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue
• organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
• you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible

Karen Wright, Herefordshire’s Director of Public Health said: “I want to say thank you to our residents and businesses who have continued to follow national guidance so we can limit virus transmission in our communities. As we leave lockdown, it is vital that we continue to follow the Tier 2: High Alert guidance for Herefordshire.

“Every social interaction is an opportunity for the virus to spread. We must continue to wash our hands, wear a face covering in indoor settings and limit the number of people we meet outside of our household and support bubble. By doing this, we can protect our friends, families and communities.”