ENGLAND is set to live under tiered coronavirus conditions until at least the end of March.

But what tier can Swindon expect to be in when the current lockdown is lifted on December 2?

What will the new tier system look like?

As before, there will be three tiers - although the government says they've been "beefed up".

Tier 1 – medium coronavirus risk

  • The rule of six will apply, with up to six people able to meet indoors or outdoors
  • Collective worship, weddings, outdoor sports can resume. Shops can reopen, as can salons, hairdressers’ and gyms
  • Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open until 11pm, with last orders at 10pm. Table service only
  • Larger events, such as music concerts, will be allowed – albeit with a limited audience

Tier 2 – high coronavirus risk

  • Rule of six to apply outdoors only. No indoor mixing will be allowed
  • Hospitality venues like pubs will shut unless serving a substantial meal with drinks
  • Larger events allowed with a very limited audience
  • Travel to Tier 3 areas will be discouraged

Tier 3 – very high coronavirus risk

  • Households not allowed to mix indoors or outdoors except in parks or public gardens
  • All hospitality venues shut – takeaway only
  • All travel out of area to be avoided
  • All accommodation and entertainment venues to close

READ MORE: Johnson sets out details of tougher tiers to replace England’s lockdown

Outlining the measures on Monday, Boris Johnson said: “Without sensible precautions, we would risk the virus escalating into a winter or New Year surge.”

Details of which areas will be in which tiers will be set out on Thursday, Mr Johnson said.

“I’m sorry to say we expect that more regions will fall at least temporarily into higher levels than before,” he added.

Swindon Advertiser:

Government data shows the number of new cases has fallen in recent days Source: GOV.UK

Christmas

Plans for a potential easing of restrictions at Christmas time are currently being discussed with leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“We all want some kind of Christmas, we need it, we certainly feel we deserve it,” Mr Johnson said.

“But what we don’t want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again, forcing us all back into lockdown in January.”

READ MORE: England’s new Covid rules – how will they work?

What tier is Swindon going to be in?

Before the current lockdown began on Thursday, November 5, Swindon remained in Tier 1 – the lowest category. Neighbouring Oxford had just been placed in Tier 2, meaning residents could not visit different households and could only go to pubs and restaurants with others living with them.

In the week ending October 30 – a week before the second lockdown began – there was an infection rate of 134.6 per 100,000 people, according to calculations by the PA news agency.

In the week to November 14, there was a rate of 216.5 new cases per 100,000 people. According to calculations by the government the case rate has fallen significantly since then – and stands at 177.3 in the seven days to Monday, November 23.

Based on the current rates, it’s likely that Swindon will be back in Tier 1. However, a definitive announcement will be made on Thursday.

In working out which tiers areas will be placed in, officials will look at coronavirus cases across all age groups, and specifically among the over-60s who are considered most at risk.

They will also consider whether infection rates are rising or falling and the prevalence of the disease per 100,000 of population.