Gyms and shops open, fans back at sport: PM announces England post-lockdown rules

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said fans will be allowed back at sport, gyms and shops will be open and England will return to a three tier restrictions system when a nationwide lockdown ends on December 2.
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The PM has announced that parts of the system will be tougher, but gyms and shops will reopen and a closing time curfew for pubs and restaurants will be eased.

Mr Johnson says tiers will now follow a uniform set of rules - rather than local authorities being able to negotiate their own extra restrictions.

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However, rules on gatherings and travel over the Christmas period are still yet to be confirmed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson.Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

He is set to announce which areas will fall into which tier later this week, probably on Thursday, he said.

The PM also said he would be strengthening enforcement for local authorities, including specially trained officers and new powers to close down premises that pose a risk.

Here are the rules that will be in play for the different tiers:

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Tier one will now mean that people should continue to work from home where possible

Tier two will now mean only pubs serving meals can open

Tier three will now mean hospitality will close except for delivery and takeaway and indoor entertainment venues must also close

Last orders will now be 22:00, with one hour to finish drinks.

Spectator sports will also be able to resume in tiers one and two with limits on attendance.

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His winter plan is designed to carry us "safely to Spring" he said in a virtual statement to MPs.

Speaking via video link, he said from next Wednesday, people will be able to leave home for any purpose and meet others outside, according to the rule of six.

Outdoor sports will be allowed, shops will open, as will gyms and leisure centres.

A maximum of 4,000 fans are set to be allowed at outdoor events in the lowest-risk areas when the national lockdown in England ends on 2 December.

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Up to 2,000 fans will be allowed in tier two areas but zero in tier three.

Elite sport has continued behind closed doors during England's four-week lockdown, but grassroots and amateur sport has been halted since 5 November.