Earlier this week, the Government confirmed the current national lockdown in England would come to an end next week and that the country would move back to a system of local restrictions.

Today, the Government has announced that Barnsley and Rotherham – and the whole of South Yorkshire – will move back into the ‘Tier 3’ Very High level. These local level restrictions will come into place from Wednesday 2 December when the national lockdown ends.

I know many will find it very difficult that we move out of the national lockdown but back into the highest level of local restrictions. And I understand these local restrictions will still be so challenging for many in our communities, especially with the continued restrictions on our ability to meet with family or friends.

You can find more information on what the Tier 3 restrictions mean for our area on the link below.

The new restrictions for South Yorkshire mean:

  • People must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues
  • People must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
  • Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed – they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services
  • Indoor entertainment and tourist venues must close, including: indoor play centres and areas, including trampolining parks and soft play, casinos, bingo halls, bowling alleys, skating rinks, amusement arcades and adult gaming centres, laser quests and escape rooms, cinemas, theatres and concert halls and snooker halls
  • Leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead. Saunas and steam rooms should close

It is my understanding these local restrictions will be reviewed every 14 days, and it’s important we continue to follow the rules to help control the virus and best protect our local NHS.