What does tier 3 lockdown mean? Rules, restrictions and areas revealed

13 October 2020, 08:50 | Updated: 14 October 2020, 10:33

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed strict rules and regulations for areas in tier 3 lockdown
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed strict rules and regulations for areas in tier 3 lockdown. Picture: PA Images
Ewan Quayle

By Ewan Quayle

What areas are in tier 3 of the new three tier Covid alert system? And what are the rules and restrictions of level 3? Here’s what you need to know including what's happening with social distancing, pubs and restaurants.

Boris Johnson has confirmed England will now follow a new Covid-19 alert system where we will be divided up into three tiers - medium, high and very high.

In a bid to tackle the rising cases of coronavirus, and to avoid another national lockdown, your area will be given a tier level from one to three with certain rules and restrictions in place for each.

Tier 1 - or medium level - are those areas with a ‘medium’ increase in Covid-19 cases, while tier 2 is classed as ‘high’ and tier 3 are areas with a ‘very high’ increased infection rates and risk to the population.

Read more: What is a tier 1 lockdown and which areas will be included in it?

Read more: Covid alert level: What is a tier 2 lockdown and what areas will be included in it?

With several areas expected to head into tier 3 in the coming weeks, we take a look at the rules and restrictions currently being put in place to prevent further spread of the illness.

Boris Johnson has confirmed the new tiers the country need to follow to beat coronavirus
Boris Johnson has confirmed the new tiers the country need to follow to beat coronavirus. Picture: PA

So what does a tier 3 lockdown level mean? What are the rules and restrictions in tier 3? And what areas are in tier 3 at the moment?

What is a tier 3, ‘high level’ lockdown?

Tier 3 means a ‘high level’ of coronavirus infection according to Government documents released on Monday.

What are the tier 3, ‘high level’ rules and restrictions?

If your area falls under this Covid alert level you will be faced with a number of rules and restrictions on Wednesday - the harshest of the three.

Alongside national measures such as the 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants, there are severe restrictions on socialising.

This is includes a ban on meeting anybody from outside your household - indoors or outdoors - and can land you with a fine of up to £10,000 if you repeatedly breach the rule.

Pubs and bars must close if they do not serve food, however if they can provide a "substantial" meal - more than snacks such as crisps - they are allowed to stay open.

As such, wedding receptions are also banned but weddings themselves can still take place with up to 15 people - including the couple - in a Covid-secure venue.

If under tier 3, you are strongly advised against leaving your local area and are asked to avoid public transport as much as possible.

Three tier system: LBC explains

What areas are in tier 3 of lockdown?

To check if your area is in tier 3, head to the new Government postcode checker which will let you know your areas alert level.

At the moment certain parts of Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire are in talks for tier 3 lockdown.

Covid alert levels: Strict rules and restrictions are in place for tier 3 areas
Covid alert levels: Strict rules and restrictions are in place for tier 3 areas. Picture: PA

Does tier 3 go far enough?

Boris Johnson confirmed that further tier 3 rules will be confirmed with local MPs and authorities, with councils able to to negotiations further measures in addition to the base restrictions.

This follows warnings, however, from the Government's own top medical and scientific advisers that basic tier 3 measures would have little impact on the rapid spread of infection.

Currently only Merseyside - which includes Liverpool and the Wirral - has entered this alert level and local leaders have secured the closure of leisure facilities such as gyms, spas and casinos on top of the base measures.

It is understood that negotiations between the Government and leaders in Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and significant parts of the North of England are ongoing.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The gas would have to be extracted via fracking

Giant gas field discovered under UK that 'could fuel the country for a decade'

Donald Trump has been accused of 'appeasement'

Ukraine’s future at stake as world leaders gather in Munich - with Trump accused of ‘appeasing’ Putin

Una Crown

Bloody fingernails of murdered widow, 86, help convict killer 12 years after she was stabbed and set on fire at home

President Donald Trump

Donald Trump says he trusts Putin and that Russia should return to G7 - labelling Moscow's expulsion 'a mistake'

Kanye West, left, and Bianca Censori arrive at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kanye West and Bianca Censori 'split' days after Grammys scandal - as rapper releases bizarre message

Near-Earth asteroid, artwork

NASA scientist reveals list of countries that face being hit by huge 'city killer' asteroid the size of Big Ben

'Uncle Sam isn't Uncle Sucker,' US tells Nato - as Ukraine admits it 'won't accept' US-Russia deal without seat at table

'Uncle Sam isn't Uncle Sucker,' US tells Nato - as Zelenskyy says Trump-Putin deal to end war 'must involve Ukraine'

This illustrative image shows Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and United States President Donald Trump (right).

Donald Trump is 'setting preconditions for withdrawing from NATO', his former advisor tells LBC

Semina Halliwell

Girl, 12, who died of overdose after reporting being raped was 'betrayed' by authorities, mother claims

Farishta Jami, 36, pictured, pledged allegiance to Islamic State and had a 'clear interest in the use of children in warfare'

British mother, 36, who tried to move family to Afghanistan to become ISIS martyrs found guilty of terror offences

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Soldier, 19, 'pinned down' by sergeant 'lost faith' after his only punishment was writing apology letter

Michael Steele, who was jailed for life in 1998 for the killings of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate and Craig Rolfe, can be released from prison, the Parole Board has said.

'Essex Boys' killer Michael Steele to be released from prison 27 years after triple gangland murders

Ukraine 'won't accept any agreements' between Trump and Putin to end war without being involved, says Zelenskyy

Ukraine 'won't accept any agreements' between Trump and Putin to end war without being involved, says Zelenskyy

Naya Rivera

Glee star Naya Rivera's heartbreaking final words to her son before she drowned revealed

Kanye West

There can be no debate about Kanye West - he clearly hates Jewish people and should be challenged on it

The young man was swallowed by a whale

Shocking moment whale swallows kayaker whole before spitting him back out