TIER 2: HIGH ALERT
On Thursday 26th November, it was announced that London will be placed under Tier 2 restrictions from Wednesday 2nd December.
This means:
You must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting
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.
Hospitality businesses selling food or drink must provide table service only if selling alcohol, and close between 11pm and 5am (last orders at 10pm)
Hospitality businesses can continue to provide takeaways after 10pm, but only through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
Early closure (11pm) applies to all indoor entertainment venues
Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm
Public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity OR 2,000 people outdoors / 1,000 people indoors
Public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity OR 2,000 people outdoors / 1,000 people indoors
Places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people for wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people for funeral ceremonies (15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes)
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
We very much welcome the news that London has not been placed into Tier 3 alert level, yet understand that these restrictions may still raise some concerns or frustrations. Please know that we are here to support you in any way we can - get in touch with questions, queries or requests and we will do our absolute best to assist you. You can also find out more information on government plans for managing the virus this season by reading the COVID-19 Winter Plan.
The Chancellor earlier made announcements regarding the 2020 Spending Review. You can read the full document via the government website, but it is worth being aware that the national living wage is increasing 2.2% to £8.91 from 1 April 2021, and will be available to people aged 23 and above.
