Covid tier 3 rules in England: latest restrictions explained

What are the rules in tier 3?

As in all other tiers, non-essential shops can open, as can gyms, hairdressers and other personal care businesses. Places of worship can open and weddings are allowed within local restrictions.

Hospitality venues must close, except for delivery and takeaway service. In tier 3, hotels and other accommodation providers must also close, except for specific work purposes where people cannot return home.

Outdoor sports, including golf and tennis, can continue in all tiers, as can amateur team sports such as football. Unlike the first two tiers, spectators cannot watch sport in tier 3.

People must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody they do not live with, or who is not in their support bubble; this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues. At other outdoor spaces such as parks or beaches people must not socialise in groups of more than six.

Everyone who can work from home should do so.

You can travel within your area for work, education and purposes of providing care or medical assistance, but should avoid travelling outside your area and reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible.

If you live in a tier 3 area, you must continue to follow tier 3 rules when you travel to a tier 1 or tier 2 area.

The full government rules and guidance for tier 3 can be found here.

Comparison of England Covid tier restrictions

What are the rules for Christmas?

An original plan to allow households to mix for a limited time across all four UK nations has been scrapped as cases have continued to rise. In England, three households in tiers 1-3 can mix on 25 December only, while in tier 4 there will be no Christmas relaxation. In Wales and Scotland restrictions will be relaxed only on Christmas day. More details on the Christmas rules can be found here.

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