National lockdown is due to end but local restrictions now come into force.

From tomorrow (2 December), the UK national lockdown ends but Sefton and the rest of the Liverpool City Region will then be placed in Tier 2 ‘High Alert’ of the Government’s alert system.

Liverpool City Region went into the national lockdown on 5 November in Tier 3 ‘Very High Alert’. This means the actions taken and sacrifices made by residents and businesses over the last month have had a positive impact on infection rates, resulting in the area now being placed in the lower Tier 2 category.

What does Tier 2 mean?

Residents and businesses within Tier 2 must stick to the following restrictions:

• No household mixing in any indoor setting.
• Rule of six applies outdoors – any social gatherings of more than six people are against the law.
• Pubs and restaurants must close by 11pm – last orders will be called at 10pm.
• Alcohol can only be served as part of a substantial meal.
• Spectators are allowed at sports events and live performances (capacity will be limited and social distancing must be stuck to).
• Personal care, including hairdressers and barbers, is allowed.

The Government is reviewing the tiers every two weeks, meaning if our figures start to increase, we could be placed in a higher category with tighter restrictions so it’s really important that everyone keeps up their efforts.

Why are these restrictions necessary?

COVID-19 is easily transmitted from person to person and while infection rates have been reducing in Sefton, they are considered still too high.

Action needs to be taken to stop the spread of the virus within communities and limiting interactions with other people as much as possible will help to contain the virus.

Remember if you, or anyone in your household, starts to experience symptoms, it is important that you isolate and book a test. The main COVID-19 symptoms are a high temperature, a new continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

You can book a test online https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

The full list of Tier 2 restrictions is available on the Government’s website.

Tier 2 guidance and the five-day Christmas arrangements for People who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable from COVID-19.

Sefton Council Leader Cllr Ian Maher said:

“Everyone across the Liverpool City Region is playing their part to get our infection rates down and that effort is clearly having an impact as we have come out of lockdown in a better position and in the Tier 2 alert level.

“While our figures are reducing, they are still too high but we have demonstrated that by following the rules, we can improve our infection rates here across the Liverpool City Region. This is a great achievement and one that we will continue to build on over the coming weeks and months.”

Find out more about the Government’s arrangements for Christmas.