PEOPLE living in Shropshire will be required to follow stricter Covid-19 restrictions after the region was moved into Tier Three in an announcement made on Wednesday.

Shropshire was placed into Tier Three restriction level meaning residents across the county will have to adhere to the rules outlined in the second-toughest restriction level.

It means Shropshire’s tier level has increased by one since the previous tier review, when it was placed in Tier Two.

Cheshire will move into Tier Four restriction level.

New restrictions will be in force from 12.01am on Thursday, December 31.

Shropshire joins much of the UK by being classified as a ‘very high alert’ area.

What does this mean for people in Shropshire?

PEOPLE must not meet socially, in a private garden or most outdoor public venues, with anyone they do not live with or have a support bubble with, unless a legal exemption applies.

However, people in Shropshire will be permitted to see friends and family who they do not live with, or do not have a support bubble with, in some outdoor public places, in a group of up to six people. The limit of six includes children of any age.

These outdoor places include parks, beaches, countryside and public gardens among other places.

People are able to continue meeting in groups with more than six people if they are all from the same household or support bubble, or if another legal exemption applies.

What does this mean for businesses in Shropshire?

NON-essential retail premises can stay open, except for shops situated inside closed premises which cannot be accessed directly from the street.

Retail premises within accommodation are also able to stay open, and outdoor tourism and entertainment venues can remain open subject to following the relevant rules and guidelines.

Hospitality venues including bars, shisha bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs are to close, except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services.

Restaurants and bars within hotels must also close.

Venues such as outdoor cinemas, theatres and concert venues can remain open for drive-in only but must close at 11pm – these can remain open beyond 11pm to conclude a performance which began before 10pm.

Personal care and close contact services including hairdressers and barbers, beauty salons, tattoo parlours, nail salons, spas and beauty services, saunas, steam rooms, massage parlours and tanning salons can stay open in Tier Three.

Community centres and halls, and libraries can remain open, as well as leisure and sports facilities.

What about religious settings?

PLACES of worship will be permitted to open, but those in attendance must not mingle with others outside their household or support bubble

Weddings and funerals will be allowed to go ahead. There will be a cap on the number of guests at these services, with 15 permitted at a wedding and 30 at a funeral.

Receptions are not permitted in Tier Three.

Can I play sport?

YES – outdoor sports are permitted in all tiers.

Guidance states those in Tier Three are permitted to take part in organised sport and physical activity with any number of people outdoors.

Gym facilities will stay open in Tier Three, but those using the gym must only do so by themselves, or with those in their household or support bubble.

No spectators are permitted at sporting events.

Anything else?

SCHOOLS and universities will remain in operation.

Children are to continue attending school and college unless they are instructed to self-isolate.

Under such circumstances, schools should provide pupils with high-quality remote education.

In schools and colleges where Year 7 and above are educated, face coverings should be worn by adults (staff and visitors) and pupils when moving around indoors.

Shropshire residents will be permitted to visit loved ones in care homes, but only with arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods and window visits in place.

How long will Tier Three restrictions be in place?

THE government stated the current tiered system will remain in effect until March 2021.

Restrictions in each area are expected to be reviewed every two weeks.