PM’s statement: Lockdown to end on 2nd December

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson today (23/11/20) presented details of the UK’s Covid-19 winter plan, which has been set out in order to get us safely through to spring 2021.

In his statement, the PM announced that the second nationwide lockdown will officially end on 2^nd December and “will not be renewed.” From that date, the country will go back to a tiered approach – with the government set to announce what tiers individual areas will fall into later this week.

The three-tier system is expected to run until the spring and will include the reopening of shops, leisure centres and allowing people to meet other in outdoor spaces subject to the rule of six.

Hospitality businesses, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to announce last orders at 10pm, but all premises will be legally required to close their doors to customers at 11pm.

More details on the tiered approach are outlined below:

Tier 1 – People should work from home if they can. The rule of six will apply both indoors and outdoors, allowing people from across households to meet up.

Tier 2 – Pubs, bars & cafes will only be able to serve alcohol with a substantial meal. The rule of six will apply, except such meetings will only be allowed outdoors.

Tier 3 – Indoor entertainment and hotels will be required to close, and restaurants and pubs will only be able to serve takeaway, delivery and click & collect. As in tiers 1 & 2, the rule of six will apply, except such meetings will only be allowed outdoors.

Non-essential shops can also reopen from 2^nd December, as can hairdressers, gyms and places of worship. A limited and socially distanced number of spectators will be allowed at both indoor and outdoor sports events, except in the more stringent tiers.

The PM also announced that new powers will be given to police officers to close down any premises that poses a risk to public health. Cabinet Ministers are currently working with dissolved governments in all four corners of the UK to outline a temporary plan that will allow families to come together for Christmas, but in the meantime, more regions are expected to fall temporarily in to higher tiers than ever before.

The public should “take heart from today’s news,” as we edge “ever closer to a vaccine to liberate us through the pandemic,” said the PM.

The government’s full winter plan is outlined here. We strongly urge our members to read it in full and get in touch with us if you require more support or advice.