Will Chesterfield be in Tier 3? Everything you need to know before today's announcement

Health secretary Matt Hancock is expected to confirm which level Chesterfield will be placed under in the new lockdown three-tier system at 11.30am today (Thursday, November 26).

The town was previously in Tier Two which was classed as ‘high’ level Covid-19 measures under the previous system and is expected to be under either Tier Two or Tier Three restrictions this time round.

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that more areas will be placed into the highest tier than before.

When announcing the Covid Winter Strategy in Parliament on Monday, November 23, he said: “I’m sorry to say that we expect more regions will fall, at least temporarily, into higher levels than before.

“But, by using these tougher tiers and by using rapid-turnaround tests on an ever greater scale to drive [the R number] below one and keep it there, it should be possible for areas to move down the tiering scale.”

If Chesterfield is placed under the ‘very high’ level restrictions, then people from different households would be unable to meet up indoors or in outdoor hospitality venues or private gardens.

The rule of six would still apply in outdoor public places such as parks and all pubs and restaurants would be closed except for delivery, collection and takeaway.

Indoor entertainment venues such as casinos, cinemas, museums and ice rinks would stay shut but hairdressers could stay open.

There would also be guidance advising people in the town to avoid travelling in and out of Chesterfield unnecessarily.

Under Tier Two which is deemed ‘high’ coronavirus measures, people would be prevented from meeting different households indoors but could still meet up to six people outside.

Pubs and restaurants would stay open until 11pm, instead of the previous 10pm curfew but alcohol would only be served as part of a substantial meal.

While residents areas with the least restrictions in Tier One would be able to meet up to six people both indoors and outdoors and pubs and restaurants could continue to serve alcohol independent of a meal.

This is how the government will decide today what lockdown tier Chesterfield goes into

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.