BOTH Cheshire East and West will move into Tier 3 for coronavirus restrictions after Christmas.

Health Secretary announced the move in a briefing this afternoon, December 23.

It means both Cheshire boroughs, along with Warrington, will be facing their toughest tiered restrictions yet.

The changes come into effect on Boxing Day, December 26.

What will the new rules be to follow?

Households were already banned from mixing indoors, but they will now also be banned from mixing in many outdoor spaces, such as beer gardens.

The ‘rule of six’ will only apply in some public outdoor spaces, such as parks and public gardens.

All bars and restaurants will be closed except for take-away, drive-through or delivery, while hotels and indoor entertainment venues will also be closed.

Gyms and indoor leisure facilities will remain open, but group activities and classes cannot take place, while shops and salons will also remain open.

Fans will no longer be allowed at sporting events indoors or outdoors, but outdoor exercise classes can continue.

Weddings, civil partnerships and wakes are restricted to 15 guests, while funerals can have 30 guests, but wedding receptions will no longer be permitted.

Residents are urged to avoid travelling outside of their own area – except for work and education – while overnight stays are advised against.

Covid-secure arrangements for visiting residents at care homes can continue and places of worship will remain open, but households cannot interact.

The tier decision will not affect schools, colleges and universities, while everyone who can work from home should continue to do so.

Will there be exemptions?

Yes – there will be exceptions for things such as childcare, caring for a vulnerable adult, attending health appointments and visiting someone who is terminally ill.

More information will be made available at gov.uk/coronavirus