Following the Secretary of State for Health’s announcement earlier today, it has now been confirmed that Northumberland will enter Tier 4 restrictions from midnight tonight. Due to the rapidly rising infection rates in the west of the county, additional restrictions will now apply to residents and businesses in Northumberland in order to reduce physical contact and slow down the spread of the coronavirus.
The following restrictions now apply in Northumberland:
Meeting friends and family- You cannot mix with other households, unless you are part of a support bubble. Two people from separate households can meet outdoors in a public space.
Retail- Essential shops can remain open, however non-essential retail must close, except for click-and-collect and delivery services.
Bars, pubs and restaurants- Hospitality will remain closed, although takeaway and delivery sales are permitted.
Work and business- If you can work from home, you must do so.
Education- Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will remain open. Registered childcare, supervised activities for childcare purposes and childcare bubbles are permitted.
Indoor leisure- closed.
Personal care- closed.
Accommodation- closed (with limited exceptions).
Overnight stays- You must not stay overnight away from home (limited exceptions apply).
Weddings and funerals- Weddings of up to 6 people can take place in exceptional circumstances. Funerals of up to 30 people are permitted, and wakes and other linked ceremonial events can continue in groups of up to 6.
Entertainment- Indoor entertainment must close, but some outdoor attractions may remain open.
Places of worship- Places of worship remain open for private prayer and communal worship, but you cannot interact with anyone outside your household or support bubble.
Exercise- You can leave your home to exercise by yourself, with your household or support bubble, or with one person from another household. Outdoor sport is allowed but gathering limits apply except for youth and disabled sport.
Travelling- You must only travel for work, education or other legally permitted reasons. If you must travel, you should stay local and reduce the number of journeys you make. You must not leave a Tier 4 area or stay overnight away from home. Residents in Tiers 1-3 should not enter Tier 4 areas. Do not travel abroad unless an exemption applies.
Residential care- You can visit relatives in care homes with COVID-secure arrangements.
Clinically Extremely Vulnerable- If you are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, you are advised to stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend health appointments.