CHESHIRE West and Chester is to remain in Tier 2 of the Government's Covid-19 restrictions over the festive period.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed in the House of Commons today that the borough will continue to operate under the 'high alert' measures.

It comes as restrictions on the mixing of households over Christmas are set to be eased between December 23-27.

In England, a total of three households can form an exclusive 'Christmas bubble' for this period only. Aside from that, the usual Tier 2 restrictions will apply throughout.

Mr Hancock said the UK has “come so far” and “mustn’t blow it now”.

In his statement, he told MPs: “As we enter the coldest months we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control.

“Yesterday 25,161 cases were reported and there are 18,038 people in hospital with coronavirus in the UK. We must keep supressing this virus.

“And this isn’t just a matter for Government or for this House, it is a matter for every single person and these are always the most difficult months for people’s health and for the NHS."

What can you do in Tier 2 (High alert)?

Those in Tier 2 will have to follow these rules:

  • Meeting friends and family: No mixing of households indoors, apart from support bubbles. Maximum of six outdoors.
  • Bars, pubs and restaurants: Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Venues must stop taking orders at 10pm and must close by 11pm.
  • Retail: Open.
  • Work and business: Everyone who can work from home should do so.
  • Education: Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will be open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted.
  • Indoor leisure: Open.
  • Accommodation: Open.
  • Personal care: Open.
  • Overnight stays: Permitted with household or support bubble.
  • Weddings and funerals: 15 guests for weddings, civil partnerships, wedding receptions and wakes, 30 for funerals.
  • Entertainment: Open.
  • Places of worship: Open, but cannot interact with anyone outside household or support bubble.
  • Travelling: Reduce the number of journeys you make and walk or cycle if possible. Avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble. Avoid travelling into a Tier 3 area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Further exemptions apply.
  • Exercise: Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but cannot take place indoors if there is any interaction between people from different households. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue.
  • Residential care: Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact).
  • Large events: Sport, live performances and business meetings limited to 50 per cent capacity of 2,000 people outdoors (whichever is lower) and 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people indoors (whichever is lower).