THE North-East will officially go into a collective lockdown tomorrow - with the region escaping the strictest of new restrictions.
Yesterday, it was revealed that the entire North-East would move into Tier 2 on Wednesday following the introduction of the new "three-tier" system.
Up until then, all the signs suggested Newcastle was at greatest risk of being placed under lockdown rules most similar to what we had in March.
Under Tier 3, which means the local Covid-19 alert level in that particular area is 'very high', a number of businesses would be forced to shut.
Here is what would be ordered to shut if parts of the North-East were to be reviewed and placed into this tier.
- Pubs and bars
As with the first full lockdown all pubs and bars would have to close with some only being allowed to remain open under certain circumstances.
The Government guidance states that a pub and bar in a Tier 3 area can only remain open if they operate like a restaurant.
This means pubs and bars must serve substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal and only serve alcohol as part of a meal.
'Wet pubs' would have to shut for the period of restrictions.
- Gyms and swimming pools
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools could be forced to shut under Tier 3 restrictions provided talks with local authorities included this.
The guidance suggests that 'additional interventions' could include closing venues such as leisure centres and gyms.
But it said councils would be encouraged to ensure provision remains available for elite athletes, youth and disabled sport and physical activity.
- What can stay open
But more places will be allowed to stay open unlike the first full lockdown.
Schools and universities in Tier 3 areas will not be forced to shut, places of worship will also remain open - although household mixing is still not allowed.
Weddings and funerals can still go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees, but wedding receptions are not allowed.
Non-essential shops will also be allowed to remain open, although the rules regarding hair and beauty salons remain unclear at this stage.
- What areas are high risk currently?
Liverpool City Region
Liverpool
Knowsley
Wirral
St Helens
Sefton
Halton
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