The Government has today announced a new three-tier system of restrictions across
England, dividing the country into three Local COVID Alert Levels – medium, high and very high – depending on infection rate. It has confirmed that Cheshire West and Chester will be in a high Local COVID Alert Level area.
As well as the existing national restrictions, the high level will see people prohibited from
socialising with other households indoors, although support bubbles will still be permitted. The rule of six will apply outdoors.
This means:
• People must not socialise with anybody outside of their household or support bubble
in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
• People must not socialise in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden
or other spaces like beaches or parks.
• Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other
than those which remain closed in law.
• Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close
between 10pm and 5am. Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the
premises, can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery
service, click-and-collect or drive-through.
• Schools, universities and places of worship remain open.
• Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees.
• Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will
only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they
do not live with (or share a support bubble with).
• People can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, for work or to
access education.
The regulations will be considered by Parliament tomorrow and if approved we expect they will be in force from Wednesday.
CWaC will work with businesses and communities to guide them through these
changes. CWaC has also been in discussions with officials about a local package of
support to accompany these changes and further clarity will be sought in the coming days.
Now that the information has been shared, further communications and frequently asked
questions will be published on CWaC website as soon as possible.
12th October 2020
