What you can and can't do in Doncaster as Tier 3 restrictions come into force

Tier 3 restrictions aiming to curb the rise in Covid-19 cases came into effect shortly after midnight, affecting people living in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster.

The rules mean a strict ban on all social mixing between different households in all settings except outdoor public spaces – including pubs, bars and restaurants as well as private homes.

Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis said that South Yorkshire communities now have some of the highest numbers of cases in the north of England and infection rates are still going up.

He sent an open letter to residents just hours before the county entered Tier 3 – the ‘very high’ alert level in England – in which he said they should be under “no illusions” that “these measures are needed”.

He said: “Many of you will be fearing for your families, your livelihoods, your future. Some of you will be wondering if these measures are worth it.

“Those feelings are understandable. But we should be under no illusions. These measures are needed. The scientific advice is that they can help.

“We still have a difficult path ahead, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

“These restrictions will help us reach it sooner, and at a lower cost.”

But what are the new restrictions? Here’s some of the things you can and can’t do now Tier 3 restrictions have been introduced across South Yorkshire.

What you can't do:

- Ban on meeting friends and family indoors in any setting unless they are part of your household or support bubble

This includes private home, gardens, restaurants and pubs

- People are advised not to socialise at sporting events

This includes attending sporting events as spectators

- Guidance asks to limit visits to care homes

- You should only travel for essential reasons when travelling into, within and out of the affected local area

- Indoor classes in gyms and sports facilities should not take place

What you can do:

- Mix with other households in groups of less than six in outdoor public spaces

This includes parks, public gardens, allotments, uutdoor sports courts and facilities, and playgrounds

- Exercise in gyms and use leisure centres

These are open more generally however rules on indoor classes still apply

- Travel in and out of the areas for work but only when you can’t work from home

- You can attend places of worship for a service although rules on household mixing should be adhered to

- You can still move home

Guidance says that people should follow advice on social distancing on face masks