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

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, from left to right, Alfie Williams and Jodie Comer pose for photographers upon arrival at the World premiere of 28 Years Later, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in London.

Danny Boyle opens up about returning to the world of 28 Days Later as latest zombie film opens to glowing reviews

Mudryk has denied any wrongdoing, and has denied knowingly breaking any rules

Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk could face four-year ban after positive drug test

Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa added his signatories to the letter, published by refugee charity Choose Love last month, calling on the Prime Minister to “use all available means” to ensure humanitarian aid gets in to Gaza.

Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and Dame Judi Dench join open letter urging suspension of arms sales to Israel

The stunning home is worth £6million

Omaze winner denied keys to £6m Norfolk house amid planning row

Fears have been raised over a 'mass casualty event' at Carnival due to the size of crowds

Future of Notting Hill Carnival ‘up in the air,’ as organisers ask for more cash - and MP calls for it to be moved

Trippier wrote on instagram that he had 'no choice but to confirm publicly' that the couple had split

Kieran Trippier confirms split from wife after nearly 10 years together

Iran hit targets in Israel, including a hospital

Israeli hospital struck by Iranian missiles - as Trump 'approves plans to attack Iran'

Usman Alam

Not smiling anymore! Grinning drug dealer who posed at cannabis farm jailed

The Foreign Secretary's talks in Washington will cover the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, as well as the UK-US trade deal

Foreign Secretary to meet US officials in Washington as Trump mulls over strikes against Iran

Heavy rush hour traffic on M25 motorway in Surrey

UK air pollution 'killing 500 people a week' - and shortens life by nearly two years, doctors say

One in five academics on both sides of the political spectrum do not feel free to teach controversial topics, a survey has found as England's higher education watchdog issued guidance on how institutions can protect freedom of speech.

20% of UK academies do not feel free to teach controversial topics, as new report issues guidance on free speech

Older people say they are being "bombarded" by campaigns for funeral services, care homes and mobility aids by "out-of-touch" mainstream advertising, a study has found.

Older people being ‘bombarded’ by ads for funeral services and care homes by ‘out-of-touch’ marketing firms

Steam and exhaust rise from different companies on a cold winter day.

UN scientists warn it is ‘crunch time’ to avoid further global warming as climate policies ‘moving in wrong direction’

Exclusive
Waste water flows out of an outflow waste water pipe into the river in Devon UK

Water company fines will be used to clean up rivers, lakes and seas, government confirms

Energy bill discounts of £150 will be extended to another 2.7 million households to help with fuel costs next winter.

Millions more households to get £150 energy bill discounts as government extends scheme to help with fuel costs

‘I like to make decisions at the last second': Trump continues to mull US strike but suggests Iran could visit White House

‘I like to decide at the last second': Trump continues to mull US strike but suggests Iran could visit White House