Local COVID alert levels: what you need to know Local COVID alert levels set out information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage the outbreak in their area. Local COVID alert levels are sometimes called ‘tiers’ or known as a ‘local lockdown'. Local COVID alert levels: what you need to know
Current Restrictions in Essex: From Saturday 17 October Essex is at Local COVID Alert Level: High This alert level is for areas with a higher level of infections. This means the following additional measures will be in place:
- People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
- People must not meet in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other space.
- People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.
You must follow current local restrictions; be aware that these protective measures differ from national rules to reduce the spread of coronavirus in England. See the guidance and restrictions for areas where the Local COVID Alert level is High.
Guidance For Businesses All businesses and venues should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers. Restrictions on businesses and venues in high alert level areas include:
- businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID secure manner, other than businesses which remain closed by law.
- certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am
- businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through; orders must be made via phone, online or by post
- hospitality venues in ports, on transport services and in motorway service areas do not need to close at 10pm, but must not serve alcohol after that time
- certain businesses and venues are required to collect customer, visitor, and staff data to support NHS Test and Trace
- the wearing of face coverings for customers and staff in certain indoor settings
- businesses must ensure that if their workers are required to self-isolate, they do not work outside their designated place of self-isolation
- businesses and venues must ensure people do not meet in their premises with people from outside of their household or support bubble
- businesses and venues that fail to comply with these restrictions may face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution, or in some cases closure.
Guidance for Businesses working in other people homes Official or registered tradespeople (for example hairdressers, beauticians, plumbers and electricians) can go to other people's homes for work purposes. They must follow this national guidance on how to work safely.
Guidance for Hospitality Businesses Hospitality UK have updated their FAQs for hospitality in England to help hospitality businesses understand the new tier system and how aspects of the new guidance could be applied to different practical situations. UK Hospitality have provided a set of Frequently asked Questions.
Alert Level Posters A series of posters that correspond to each on the Alert Levels have been created by the government. Businesses can print these off for staff and/or customers to inform people of the situation in their area. View the posters.