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England has been struggling to contain the spread of COVID-19, with hotspots popping up across the country.

In an effort to combat this, the government has introduced a three-tier system, not unlike our alert levels here in South Africa, but with one major difference.

These tiers will work on a “traffic light system”, and the different levels of lockdown, when implemented, won’t apply to the whole of England.

Rather, different parts of the country will be subject to different tiers and their relative restrictions depending on the rates of infection in the region.

Per The Telegraph, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a speech at the House of Commons yesterday that the new COVID-19 alert levels were being introduced to “squash this virus wherever it appears”.

“We are today simplifying, standardising and in some places toughening local rules in England by introducing three levels of Covid alert”.

And he added “no one affected by this will be left to fend for themselves”, with the Government having previously announced new financial assistance.

“No one least of all me wants to impose these kinds of restrictions, erosions of our personal liberty, but I’m convinced as I’ve ever been that the British people have the resolve to beat this virus and that together we will do just that,” Mr Johnson said.

The levels are also referred to as ‘tiers’.

Prior to this simplification, lockdown rules had been complicated and difficult to enforce. The new system looks like this.

Medium Level / Tier One:

• All businesses, with the exception of nightclubs and adult entertainment venues, will continue to operate in line with COVID-19 preventative measures.
• Certain businesses selling food or drink will be required to close between 10PM and 5AM. Delivery services and food or drink sold for off-site consumption can continue to operate after 10PM.
• People cannot meet in groups larger than six, indoors or outdoors (this is known as the ‘rule of six’)

High Level / Tier Two

• People will not be permitted to gather with anyone outside of their household or support bubble (a carefully chosen and small group of people) in any indoor setting.
• The rule of six will continue to apply in outdoor settings.
• The number of journeys made should be reduced. If someone needs to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

Very High Level / Tier Three

• This will apply to areas with high infection rates. The Government will set a baseline of measures (to be confirmed) for any area in this local alert level. Consultation with local authorities will determine additional measures.
• Pubs and bars will close but can remain open insofar as they operate like a restaurant which means serving meals. Alcohol can only be served as part of a meal.
• Wedding receptions are not allowed.
• People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor or outdoor setting, whether at home or in a public space. The rule of six applies in outdoor settings.
• Travel should be avoided in high-risk areas, other than for work, education, accessing youth services, or to meet caring responsibilities.
• Staying overnight in another part of the UK if they are a resident in a high-risk area should be avoided, and staying overnight in a high-risk area should likewise be avoided.

The government is discussing further measures that could come into play as the efficacy of the system is assessed. Right now, it doesn’t look very concrete, with suggestions rather than enforcements in play.

Maybe that’s an English thing and I’m missing something.

As for how residents can determine which tier or alert level their area is subject to, there will be a postcode search available on the government website, while the NHS COVID-19 app will show which local alert level applies in which area.

For the towns and regions currently affected, head here.

The new measures are expected to be enforced from Wednesday, October 14.

[source:telegraph]