Devon upgraded to tier 3

More restrictions from midnight

Just two weeks after local MPs and councillors were hoping the government would put Devon into the lowest category of covid restrictions along with Cornwall, both counties have been upgraded to tier 3 from one minute past midnight on Thursday 31 December.

That means:

• You must not meet socially indoors with anybody who you do not live with, or you are not in a support bubble with*.
• You must not meet socially outdoors (in a private garden or at most outdoor public venues) with anybody who you do not live with, or you are not in a support bubble with*.
• There are some legal exemptions to both, so if you are meeting with friends or family, you must follow the guidance on social distancing and letting in fresh air and limit how many different people you see socially over any period of time.

People who are clinically extremely vulnerable have additional advice.

Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services. Food or drink bought via these must not be consumed on the premises including beer gardens.

Hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses, must close. (Again, there are exceptions to this rule)

Most tourist venues and entertainment must close, but some outdoor venues are permitted to remain open.

Steve Brown, director of Public Health Devon (designate) said: "Cases in Devon, while we have been in Tier 2, have been rising in all age groups, as per the national trend. Without further intervention with tighter restrictions, we are likely to have seen cases continuing to rise and therefore I feel this announcement was inevitable.

“The decision has been made to place us into Tier 3 and what is important now is we do everything we can to adhere to these tighter restrictions to help bring down cases in Devon

“We will have heard the welcome news today that a second vaccine has been approved for use from early January, but we cannot sit back and relax on the strength of that.  Please keep up the effort, and remember the key messages, to social distance, wear your face coverings when in a public space where social distancing is not possible, and wash your hands properly and regularly."