AS SLOUGH moves into Tier 3 after the national lockdown ends on December 2 (Wednesday), new rules will come into play in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Areas in Tier 3, also known as ‘very high’ alert level, have the tightest restrictions, meaning tougher rules for residents.
Here’s what you can and cannot do in Tier 3:
Can I still meet people?
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.
The rule of six still applies, meaning you cannot socialise in a group of more than six people in some outdoor places such as parks and public gardens.
The Government has advised against overnight stays other than the people who you live with or in your support bubble.
READ MORE: Windsor & Maidenhead will face Tier 2 Covid-19 restrictions
What businesses can remain open and what is closed?
Unlike the previous tier-system, non-essential shops in all areas can reopen as can gyms, hairdressers, and other personal care business.
Leisure and sports facilities can continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead. Saunas and steam rooms should close.
Pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shisha venues must close, except for delivery and takeaway services, drive-through, and click-and-collect.
Hotels, bed and breakfasts’, campsites, and guest houses will have to close. However, there are several exemptions such as those who use these venues as their main residence and those requiring those venues for work or education and training.
Indoor entertain venues such as cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys, bingo halls, ice rinks, and casinos will remain closed.
Indoor attractions must also close like museums, galleries, fairgrounds, and greenhouses.
Large outdoor events such as performances and shows should not take place, with the exception of drive-in events.
The Government still strongly advises those who can work from home should do.
Are schools closed in Tier 3?
Schools, colleges, and universities remain open.
READ MORE: Slough will enter Tier 3 after lockdown (but the rest of Berkshire won't)
What about sport?
Unlike in Tier 1 and 2 where the public can attend spectator sport at a reduced capacity, in Tier 3, public attendance is banned.
But elite sport events can continue to take place with no spectators.
Organised outdoor sport such as golf and tennis, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place.
Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes cannot take place indoors. There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s.
Are places of worship open?
They can remain open – but you must not attend or socialise or interact with anyone outside the people you live with or are in your support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies.
How about weddings and funerals?
They can still go ahead – but with restrictions on the number of attendees.
READ MORE: Slough councillors react to Tier 3 news as borough faces tight restrictions
Fifteen people can attend wedding ceremonies, 30 people can attend funerals, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative event.
Wedding receptions, however, are banned.
Can I travel to other places both in and out of Slough?
While you can travel to venues or amenities which are open in the borough, it is advised to aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.
It is also advised to avoid travelling to other parts of the UK other than where necessary such as for work, education, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.
You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.
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