Following the announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock this morning (November 26), Atherstone and the rest of Warwickshire have been escalated to Tier Three in the UK Government's three-tier system for dealing with Covid-19.

Before the second national lockdown, which began in early November, Atherstone, the rest of the county, and 169 other regions were in Tier One - 'Medium' risk.

Warwickshire has now been escalated to 'Very High' risk in the third tier.

The announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday (November 23) that the country would return to the tiered system also came with some alterations to the rules in each tier.

As of Thursday, December 3 the new restrictions will come into place, retail outlets will be allowed to open but pubs and restaurants will not.

The following rules will apply to the people of Atherstone however:

• Households will not be allowed to mix indoors or outdoors in private gardens or hospitality venues.
• The 'Rule of Six' will apply outdoors in public spaces.
• Pubs and restaurants will be closed except for takeaway and delivery.
• Indoor entertainment venues will be closed, only drive-in events allowed.
• Guidance against travelling outside the area
• Schools will remain open.
• Weddings and Civil Ceremonies allowed 15 guests, but receptions not allowed
• Up to 30 people allowed at funerals.
• Outdoor sport can recommence; indoor sport is only permissible with members of one household.

The new rules and the tiers will be assessed regularly, the first being on December 16.

The UK Government has also announced special rules for the festive period.

The new rules will mean that between December 22 and 28 three households will be allowed to mix indoors in a temporary 'Christmas Bubble.'

There is no maximum number of people in England for these temporary bubbles, and groups will be allowed to meet in each other's homes, public spaces, and at a place of worship.

It is clear however that the bubbles are fixed, and they cannot vary on each day of the festive period. If you meet with two other households on the 22, you cannot meet with another two on a different day.

Furthermore, if you have already formed a support bubble with another household, then that counts as one household under the 'Christmas Bubble' rules.

The Government's full Winter Plan can be found here.