New Coronavirus Tiers and Alert Levels

The Government has announced three new Coronavirus Tiers to clarify local restrictions. Bedford Borough has been placed in Tier One/Medium Alert Level.

Mayor Dave Hodgson is reminding local residents to keep washing your hands, wear a face covering and keep 2 metres away from others and limit your contact with people you don't live with.

Mayor Dave said "It is important that we remember and stick to the guidance and regulations. We do not want a Liverpool-style Lockdown locally."

There is more information on the Medium Alert Level at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-medium and a summary of all three tiers/levels below:

Tier One - Local Alert Level Medium

• All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law, such as nightclubs.
• Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am.
• Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru.
• Schools, universities and places of worship remain open
• Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
• Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, provided the Rule of Six is followed
• People must not meet in groups larger than 6, indoors or outdoors

Tier Two - Local Alert Level High

• People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
• People must not meet in a group of more than 6 outside, including in a garden or other space.
• People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

Tier Three - Local Alert Level Very High

• Pubs and bars must close, and can only remain open where they operate as if they were a restaurant - which means serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal. They may only serve alcohol as part of such 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 open public spaces like parks and beaches.
• People should try to avoid travelling outside the 'Very High' area they are in, or entering a 'Very High' area, other than for things like work, education, accessing youth services, to meet caring responsibilities or if they are in transit.
• People should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK if they are resident in a 'Very High' area, or avoid staying overnight in a 'Very High' area if they are resident elsewhere.