Boris Johnson has announced the details of a new three-tier system - medium (tier 1), high (tier 2), or very high (tier 3) - for England that categorises different parts of the country, and assigns respective sets of rules, according to risk amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The prime minister confirmed the news during an appearance in the House of Commons via video link on Monday, during which he stated that when the second lockdown comes to an end on 2 December, England will return to a regional approach similar to the one that was introduced in October, however restrictions will be tougher across all three tiers.  

“Without sensible precautions, we would risk the virus escalating into a winter or new year surge,” said Mr Johnson. “While the previous tiers did cut the R-number they were not quite enough to cut it below one.”

The government will announce which areas fall under which tier on Thursday.  People can find out which alert level their area falls under using the postcode search available on the government website.  The NHS Covid 19 app will also be updated and show which local alert level applies in which area.

Here’s everything you need to know about what you can and cannot do in tier 3.

If a region has been placed in tier 3, or under “very high” alert, this means that it is an area “where transmission rates are causing the greatest concern”, the government states.

“This includes incidence and test positivity, including amongst older and more at-risk age groups, as well as the growth rate, hospital admissions and other factors,” the government’s website adds.

In areas placed under “very high” alert, the government will outline a “baseline of measures” for members of the public to follow, in addition to working with local authorities to decide what “additional measures” are required.

When it comes to socialising, people in tier-3 areas are not allowed to mix with different households indoors or outdoors, unless it is in a public space such as a park. 

The government website says: “You must not socialise in a group of more than six in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.

“You must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues.”

While the 11pm curfew on hospitality venues applies to areas under “medium” and “high” alert, for regions under “very high” alert, pubs and bars must close their doors.

However, they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.

Members of the public are being advised by the government to refrain from travelling in or out of tier-3 areas to prevent further transmission of Covid-19.

For these reasons, accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must close. 

However, there are several exemptions, such as for those who use these venues as their main residence, and those requiring the venues where it is reasonably necessary for work or education and training. 

Weddings and funerals can continue to go ahead, but there are restrictions on the number of guests.

Up to 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, however, unlike in tiers 1 and 2, receptions are not permitted.

As for funerals, 30 people can attend.

Leisure and sports facilities may stay open in tier 3 along with places of worship, non-essential retail and public buildings such as libraries and community centres.

Additionally, personal care and close contact services can stay open. This includes hairdressers and barbers, beauty salons, tattoo parlours, nail salons, spas and beauty salons, massage parlours and tanning salons.

If you break the restrictions, you can be fined £200 for the first offence, doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.

You can read more about the three alert levels on the government website here.