Tier 2 restrictions come into effect across Essex today as England emerges from the second national lockdown. 

Under Tier 2 rules, the ‘rule of six’ will be enforced, meaning no more than six people can gather to socialise in outdoor spaces.

Here are the rules in full.

  • You must not socialise with anyone they do not live with or who is not in their support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
  • Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants, and hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with “substantial” meals.
  • Hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to provide table service only; premises which sell alcohol must close at 11pm and stop taking orders after 10pm.
  • Public attendance at spectator sports and outdoor and indoor events is permitted, but are limited to whichever is lower: 50 per cent capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors.
  • Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue
  • Places of worship remain open but worshippers must not socialise with people from outside of their household or support bubble.
  • Weddings and funerals to go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stonesettings.
  • If you live in a Tier 2 area, you must continue to follow Tier 2 rules when you travel to a Tier 1 area.
  • Avoid travel to or overnight stays in Tier 3 areas other than where necessary such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey.

However, there is a chance the county finds itself placed in a new tier before Christmas.

Allocated tiers will be reviewed on Wednesday, December 16.