London tier 2 lockdown: What are the new rules? Everything you can and can’t do

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  • October 17, 2020
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London is among the eight regions that moved into a tier two lockdown today, which sees a ban on households mixing indoors.

The ‘high’ alert classification came as 12 London Boroughs’ infections rate passed 100 per 100,000.

Joining London in the move to tier two are Elmbridge, Barrow-in-Furness, North East Derbyshire, Erewash, Chesterfield, York, and Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock).

Many are wondering what the new rules are for Londoners.

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What are the current lockdown rules in London?

The only difference that Londoners will see in the move from tier one to tier two is tougher restrictions on social gathering.

Here are the current rules Londoners have to follow:

Meeting other households indoors

Official tier two advice states: ‘You must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them.’

This means that you may not meet with people from outside your household indoors, including in private homes and pubs and restaurants.

Breaking the rules can see you fined £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.

You may still meet with others outside of your household in public outdoor spaces, such as parks.

The rule of six and social distancing must be observed.

Remember that children count towards the rule of six total in England.

Pubs and restaurants

Public hospitality venues are still subject to a 10pm curfew.

You cannot meet people from outside of your household or support bubble indoors, however, you can still meet up in beer gardens, on rooftop bars, and in outdoor restaurant seating area, as long as the rule of six is adhered to.

Face coverings

Face coverings must be worn inside any public venue.

This includes shops, public transport, and in pubs and restaurants (when not sat down to eat).

Leaving London

Although travelling to and from London is advised against by the Government, there are currently no travel restrictions in place.

You may leave London to visit other parts of the UK, except Wales.

You may also leave London to go on holiday abroad, so long as you are only holiaying with people from your household.

Going to work

Londoners are still permitted to travel to work, but are advised to work from home where possible.

Where working from home is impossible, Londoners are being advised to choose walking, cycling, or driving to work rather than using public transport.

Schools, universities, and places of worship

Schools, universities, and places of worship remain open in London.

The establishments must ensure that all possible Covid-safety measures are being taken.

Contact your school, university, or place of worship to find out what safety measures they have in place.

Care homes

You should not visit a care home except in exceptional circumstances, for example, to visit an individual who is at the end of their life.

Weddings and funerals

You can attend weddings but not ‘mingle’ with anyone outside your household or support bubble.

15 people may attend a wedding or civil partnership ceremony in all areas.

Up to 15 people can attend a wedding reception in the form of a sit-down meal. Receptions in private homes are banned.

30 people are still allowed to attend a funeral anywhere in the country, but only 15 mourners are allowed to attend a wake.

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Gyms/organised sport

Gyms may remain open in London, as well as gym classes where it is possible for people to avoid mixing with other households.

That means you can’t meet up with your friend at the gym and ask them to spot you.

Indoor organised sport is also banned, except for elite athletes. That means a five-a-side kickabout with your mates is off the cards.

There are exceptions to enable disability and youth sport and physical activity indoors, in any number.

When will the tier two restrictions be reviewed?

The restrictions on tier two will be reviewed in 14 days.

This is because it takes two weeks for any changes in infection rates to be seen.

If London’s coronavirus rates fall enough, then it can be moved back to tier one.

Although there is no official rule, regions tend to be placed in tier two when their infection rates reach 100 per 100,000.

MORE: Police clash with crowds of drinkers as London plunged into tier 2 lockdown

MORE: Are cinemas open? Tier 1, 2 and 3 lockdown rules explained

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