Parts of Essex and Hertfordshire to go into Tier 3 on Wednesday

Parts of Essex and Hertfordshire as well as London will be placed into Tier 3 from tomorrow, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced yesterday afternoon.

According to the government, the latest data shows an 'exponential rise in cases as well as rising local hospital admissions which will soon put additional pressure on already overstretched NHS capacity'.

All 32 London boroughs and the City of London, and parts of both Essex and Hertfordshire will be moved to Tier 3 restrictions, coming into effect from the beginning of Wednesday 16 December 2020.

The areas that are being moved to Tier 3 are:

• All of London's 32 boroughs and the City of London
• In Essex: Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow, Epping Forest, Castle Point, Rochford, Maldon, Braintree, Chelmsford – and two unitary authorities Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea Borough Councils
• In Hertfordshire: Broxbourne, Hertsmere, Watford and Three Rivers

The outbreak of COVID-19 has created an environment that many of us aren't used to and it has disrupted most of our daily routines. For those who fill their days with countryside activities, we have put together guidance on how those will change because of COVID-19. Please click here to visit our hub.

Since the new 3-tiered system was re-introduced in England as of Wednesday 2nd December, we have updated the guidance across our COVID-19 Hub, including that relating to the devolved nations, to ensure that you have the most reliable and up to date information. For advice in relation to hunting, shooting and fishing please click here.

During the Christmas period (23 to 27 December) different rules on social contact will apply.