·      The new restrictions from 2nd of December 2020.

·      List of things you can and cannot do in tier 2.

·      Christmas bubble, travelling, shopping and more.

What are the new national restrictions in place now?

New national restrictions are in place across the UK from yesterday, 2nd of Dec 2020.

There are different rules in place to help suppress the virus depending on where you live. 

Every area in England is divided into a different alert levels called tiers, depending on how high their case rate is and three tiered lockdown system is in place across the UK. 

What are the different tier systems?

Medium alert is tier 1, high alert is tier 2 and very high alert is tier 3.

You can check in what tier your area is on the government website here.

You are expected to know the regulations in place in your area to avoid a £1,000 fine and to keep others safe.

The areas will be reviewed every two weeks and can be moved up or down the tier system depending on the number of case rates in that area.

There are different rules and regulations and lists of things you can and cannot do in each tier.

What are the regulations for families and nannies in London now?

London area continues to be in tier 2, which is the same as before lockdown and most of the regulations in tier 2 are the same as before:

Childcare and education:

Early years settings, school, colleges and universities remain open. Childcare and other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles, including nannies are permitted to provide services.

Meeting friends and family:

In tier 2 people cannot meet those from outside their households or support bubbles in any indoor setting, whether at home, pub or a restaurant unless they live together or are in a support bubble together.

Mixing of maximum of six households outdoors is permitted. This means people cannot visit each other but can meet outside in a garden and eat outdoors with them.

What is a support bubble and who can form one?

A support bubble is a support network, which links 2 households. Not everyone can form a support bubble and you have to meet a certain criteria to be able to form one.

For more information about support bubbles please visit government website here.

Christmas bubble

Relaxation of social distancing rules will apply at Christmas for five days, from 23rd to 27th of Dec, across the UK, to allow families to celebrate the holiday together and families will be allowed to meet with two other households to form a ‘Christmas bubble’.

Travelling

There are no travel restrictions and people can leave their area for any reason and stay overnight. Trips abroad are also allowed, but people are encouraged to reduce the number of journeys and to avoid travel at busy times and using public transport.

If you are travelling to an area that is a higher tier than yours then you should follow the rules of that tier. 

If you are travelling to an area in a lower tier you should continue to follow the guidance from your tier. 

Everyone is advised against travelling to or from an area in very high alert.

For full list of local restrictions tiers by area please visit here.  

What things are open? 

In all tiers, shops, gyms, swimming pools, hairdressers will reopen.

Some shops will stay open for 24 hours in the run up to Christmas and in January. This is to help reduce the crowds by allowing more time for shopping, safer social distancing and less pressure on public transport.

The main message stays the same: 

Hands, Face, Space

• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds.

• Wear a face covering in public indoor places.

• Stay 2 meters apart with people you don’t live with.

For more information on Tier 2 rules please visit the Government website here.

We hope you find this article helpful.