Around nine million Londoners have been moved into the coronavirus tier two alert level.
The news was confirmed by health secretary Matt Hancock in the Commons this morning, placing the capital in the ‘high’ alert tier of restrictions.
The new rules mean that people in the city will be banned from mixing with other households indoors, but they can still meet outdoors as long as the ‘rule of six’ is obeyed,
It comes into force from midnight on Friday, but just how long is the capital likely to be under tier two?
Here’s all you need to know.
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How long will London be in tier two lockdown?
Matt Hancock said in the Commons that areas under tier two restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks.
That means that those in tier two could have the measures dropped back to tier one after a fortnight, remain as they are, or, if cases continue to rise, an area could be moved into the more restrictive tier three – reserved for ‘very high’ risk areas.
Currently, only areas in tier three have any time frame on restrictions – with the measures to be reviewed after four weeks and extended if it’s considered to be necessary.
What does a tier two lockdown mean?
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Anyone living in an area now under tier two of the lockdown system will be banned from mixing with other households indoors -however, you are allowed to mix outside as long as the national ‘rule of six’ is observed.
People in tier two areas have also been asked to only make essential journeys and not travel too far outside the area in which they live unless it is absolutely necessary.
Pubs and bars can remain open in tier two lockdown, with the 10pm curfew in place, as can all businesses that are able to operate in a Covid-secure way.
Schools, universities and places of worship can also remain open, while weddings and funerals can continue to go ahead with the current limits on guests – 15 currently for wedding receptions and up to 30 for a funeral.
Gyms can also remain open, while organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, as long as the ‘rule of six’ is followed.
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