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New three-tier local COVID-19 restrictions explained

A three-tier system of local restrictions to curb the transmission of COVID-19 has been introduced in England. The new system will see different parts of the country placed under varying restrictions depending on their rates of infection. The restrictions in each tier are:

Medium

• Follow the rule of six if meeting indoors or outdoors
• Pubs and restaurants to shut at 10pm

High

• No household mixing indoors
• Rule of six will apply outdoors
• Pubs and restaurants to shut at 10pm

Very High

• No household mixing indoors or outdoors in hospitality venues or private gardens
• Rule of six applies in outdoor public spaces like parks
• Pubs and bars not serving meals will be closed
• Guidance against travelling in and out of the area
• Further measures which may be agreed locally

What tier is Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, Somerset and Dorset in?

The above are currently in the medium (lowest) tier of the COVID-19 alert levels. This means current restrictions will stay the same. Please help to keep the rate of transmission low by continuing to:

• Follow the Hands, Face, Space guidance: wash your hands often and thoroughly, wear a face mask in enclosed spaces and keep two metres apart or one metre+ with a face covering or other protection
• Follow the rule of six if meeting indoors or outdoors

Self isolate if:

• you develop symptoms
• you have tested positive for COVID-19
• someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
• you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app. It is now a legal requirement to do so
• you arrive in the UK from a country with a high COVID-19 risk

We must all play our part

Message from Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council

“This is clearly still a difficult time for the country and we hope this new system will help slow the spread of COVID-19. Wiltshire’s alert level is ‘medium’ which means the current restrictions remain in place and we need people to continue to be vigilant. Our top priority remains the same – to continue to support Wiltshire residents and businesses through this pandemic so that the county emerges as strong as possible when we reach the other side. We have focussed our resources and way of working to give us the best possible opportunity of achieving this.

“Although local COVID-19 cases are rising, the spread of the virus locally is still comparatively low in Wiltshire, but we all must play our part and not be complacent as we’ve seen in other areas how quickly the situation can change for the worse. That means keeping washing hands, wearing face coverings where required and socially distancing. People must also self-isolate when told to so, and this is now a legal requirement. If we keep doing this and supporting one another, then we stand the best possible chance of keeping each other safe.”

Download the NHS COVID-19 app

You can download the COVID-19 app now which supports contact tracing. Use the app to scan QR codes in shops and restaurants so the app can let you know if you come into direct contact with someone who later tests positive. All your data is held locally on your phone. 

You can download the COVID-19 app via the App Store or Google Play as long as your phone software is recent enough to support it - find out by visiting the apps download provider for your device.

Find out more or watch a short video from our Director of Public Health, Kate Blackburn:

Test and trace support payment

If you are on a lower income and are required to self-isolate because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for a support payment of £500, payable in a lump sum. If applicable, this can be backdated to 28 September.

This scheme has been introduced by Government and will be administrated locally by Wiltshire Council.