Bristol to move into Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions from Saturday

Bristol to move into Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions from Saturday

Posted on: 17 Dec 2020

New measures have been announced by the government as part of a nationwide review.

 

The government have today (Thursday 17 December) announced that Bristol and North Somerset will be moved from Tier 3 (Very High Risk) to Tier 2 (High Risk) coronavirus restrictions, with the change set to take effect on Saturday.

 

Leisure and hospitality venues that have been forced to remain closed up until now will be permitted to reopen, with appropriate safety measures in place.

 

After an incredibly difficult summer, followed by the impact of a second lockdown and Tier 3 restrictions in November and early December, it's hoped that pubs and hospitality venues across the city will be able to benefit from the return of trade in the days leading up to Christmas.

 

 

Bristol City Council have welcomed the easing of restrictions, while urging the public to remain cautious over the coming weeks to prevent another rise in cases in the new year.

 

Releasing a statement earlier today, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “Thank you to everyone in the city for playing their part to get the rates of infection down.

 

"The next few weeks are crucial so we don’t see another significant rise in cases, so please be cautious and still limit who you see and follow the guidelines.

 

“Infection rates are lower than they were but COVID-19 is still spreading in Bristol and we must continue to protect each other.

 

"This Christmas and New Year will look very different to last year, but if we all continue doing the best we can, we can be hopeful of a return to the things we love next year.”

 

 

Despite Bristol's move into Tier 2, there are still a range of rules in place to minimise risk of transmission among the public. Tier 2 measures are as follows:

 

  • You can't mix indoors with anyone apart from members of your household or bubble

 

  • You can meet in a group of up to six outside - including in a private garden, or a public place

 

  • Shops, gyms and personal care services (such as hairdressing) can reopen

 

  • Pubs and bars can only open if they serve substantial meals. Alcohol can be served with that meal

 

  • Pubs and restaurants must shut at 23:00 GMT, with last orders at 22:00

 

  • Sports events in stadiums can be attended by up to 2,000 spectators, or 50% capacity (whichever is smaller)

 

  • Collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume (with restrictions)

 

  • Non-essential foreign travel allowed, subject to quarantine rules

 

  • People are advised not to travel to and from tier three areas

 

For more information about COVID-19 restrictions in Bristol, or to follow news and updates in the coming weeks, follow Bristol City Council on Twitter.

Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.