The Prime Minister yesterday outlined the plans for the new Three Tier Lockdown System in England.
This has been divided up into 3 COVID Alert Levels - Medium, High and Very High. For a full list of what each tier's restrictions are click here
The majority of England remains in Medium Risk for now while all those regions presently under local lockdowns will fall into high, with the addition of Nottinghamshire, east and west Cheshire, and High Peak.
The only region confirmed in the Very High Category at this time is Liverpool City Region but warning was given that this could change imminently.
To see a full list of which tier each region currently falls under click here
While Hair and Beauty were not included on the current restrictions for the Very High lockdown tier, the Prime Minister did confirm it is currently up to local politicians in those areas to make decisions on further closures and that he wants the maximum possible local consensus behind more severe local lockdown actions. Hair & Beauty are both listed as potential further options under the Very High Tier.
So while no immediate closures for our sector have been confirmed in England we do urgently advise all our members to:
- keep checking here to know which tier you fall under
- understand the national restrictions given by government on those tiers
- keep checking with your local authorities for any changes to local policies
We will do all we can to keep all our members updated on a national level and any changes we are made aware of but it is imperative for individuals to keep up to date on your local policies too.
Scotland's First Minister announced that once the local lockdown restrictions currently in place come to an end (currently advised as the 26th October) there is a possibility that Scotland will introduce a similar 3 Tier Lockdown framework. The proposal will be put forward to the Scottish Parliament after their October recess.
Wales also announced yesterday that they are considering a possible full lockdown again but nothing has been confirmed as yet. We will update when we receive further information.
There was also an indication from Arlene Foster today in Northern Ireland that more lockdown action could potentially be needed after discussions with Health Minister Robin Swann yesterday - but no further decisions have yet been given.
The Chancellor also once again reiterated the help in place from his Winter Economy Plan and did commit further funding to any businesses forced to close again. We await further clarity on how this may help those businesses still not able to open in Scotland. Last week we sent a letter to the Scottish First Minister asking for additional financial assistance (see here) and have also uploaded a template letter for Scottish Members still unable to return to work who wish to write to their local councils. You can access that template as well as an additional Local MP option for All Nations under Latest Resources on the COVID Support Page here.