CHESHIRE West and Chester was yesterday placed in 'tier two' of the Government's new lockdown restrictions for England.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's proposed three-tiered system of local 'COVID Alert Levels' will be debated and voted on in the House of Commons today.

He confirmed yesterday that the levels will be set at medium, high, and very high.

Cheshire West and Chester has been put in the high level, also known as tier two.

What are the tier two restrictions?

The new rules will prevent more than one household from mixing with another in any indoor setting – including private homes, pubs and restaurants.

Support bubbles can continue to meet as one household under the new restrictions.

In outdoor settings, including private gardens and parks, the ‘rule of six’ will continue to apply – meaning gatherings will be restricted to no more than six.

The 10pm curfew will also continue for bars, pubs and restaurants.

Schools, universities and places of worship will remain open, while weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees.

No more than 15 people are allowed to attend marriage and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, while the limit on funerals is 30 with only 15 permitted to attend a wake afterwards.

Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors, but these will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with others they do not live or share a support bubble with.

Residents are also being asked to reduce the number of journeys they make – walking or cycling where possible – and to plan ahead to avoid busy times on public transport.

When do they come into force?

The rules will come into effect across the borough tomorrow (October 14), if they are approved in the House of Commons today.

How long will the restrictions last?

The new three-tiered system is due to be in place for the next six months.

In terms of tier two, the Secretary of State must review whether each area should continue to be part of it at least once every 14 days, with the first review to be carried out by October 28.

The need for each of the restrictions that come under tier two must be reviewed at least once every 28 days, with the first to take place by November 11.

What happens if you flout the regulations?

A person found to have contravened a tier two restriction without a reasonable excuse would be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

The amount for a first time offence would be £100 if paid within 14 days, otherwise it would be £200.

If the fixed penalty notice is not the first one issued to the person under a relevant enactment, the amount is:

  • £400 if it is the second fixed penalty notice issued
  • £800 if it is the third
  • £1,600 if it is the fourth
  • £3,200 if it is the fifth
  • £6,400 if it is the sixth or any subsequent fixed penalty notice issued.

In terms of businesses, the following fixed penalty notices apply:

  • £1,000 if it is the first one issued to the person in respect of a business restriction offence
  • £2,000 if it is the second
  • £4,000 if is the third
  • £10,000 if it is the fourth or any subsequent one