What are the rules in Lancashire now it has moved to Tier 3?

Tougher coronavirus restrictions will apply in Lancashire from Saturday as the North West county moves into the Tier 3 category.

The new system in England sees areas put into different categories labelled as medium, also known as Tier 1, high, also known as Tier 2 or very high risk, which is referred to as Tier 3.

– What happens if your area is in Tier 3?

Lancashire joins the Liverpool City Region as the only two areas of England facing Tier 3 restrictions – the most severe – meaning 3.1 million people will be living under the toughest measures.

In these areas, social mixing is banned both indoors and in private gardens, while pubs and bars must close unless they can operate as a restaurant.

The rule of six applies in some outdoor settings such as parks, public gardens and sports courts.

In the Liverpool City Region, indoor gyms and fitness studios have been forced to shut, alongside sports facilities, leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos.

Gyms are allowed to stay open in Lancashire but from Monday, the adult gaming industry, casinos, bingo halls, bookmakers and betting shops, and soft play areas must close. Car boot sales will also be banned.

Shops and places of worship can remain open, as can schools and colleges, while universities must reflect wider restrictions with the option to move to greater online provision.

Up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings and 30 people can attend funerals, with 15 allowed at wakes, but wedding receptions are not permitted.

From 6pm on Friday, those living in Tier 3 and Tier 2 areas will be prevented from entering Wales.

– What happens in Tier 2 and where is affected?

Areas categorised as high risk will see household mixing banned indoors while the rule of six will continue to apply outdoors.

People must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they live with them or have formed a support bubble with them.

Up to 15 guests will be allowed at weddings and up to 30 people allowed at funerals, with 15 allowed at receptions and wakes.

Shops, gyms, all education settings, and places of worship will remain open, with overnight stays permitted.

Travel advice for those living in Tier 2 is to reduce the number of journeys they take where possible and avoid travel into very high Tier 3 areas.

London, Essex, Elmbridge, Barrow-in-Furness, York, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and Erewash will move to Tier 2 from Saturday, meaning some 25.2 million people will be in high-risk areas.

– What restrictions are placed on areas in Tier 1?

Areas classed as medium risk, those in Tier 1, will be subject to the same national measures which currently apply across the whole country.

These include the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and a ban on most gatherings of more than six people.

Up to 15 guests will be allowed at weddings and up to 30 people allowed at funerals, with 15 allowed at receptions and wakes.

The total number of people currently in Tier 1 stands at 28 million.