Sheffield moving into Tier 3: your questions answered about the new restrictions

The move to Tier 3 will affect the Sheffield City Region, as well as Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster.

As well as the baseline level 3 restrictions, betting shops, adult gaming centres, casinos and soft play centres will be closed in South Yorkshire, while gyms will remain open but won’t be able to help gym classes.

Here are some of The Star’s readers’ questions about the new restrictions answered.

Can I still see my new partner and stay over with them, even though we live apart?

The restrictions for areas in Tier 3 mean that people must not meet socially with friends or family indoors in any setting, unless they are part of the same household or support bubble.

A support bubble is formed when a household with one adult joins with another household, enabling them to visit each other, stay overnight and visit public places together.

The restrictions around meeting up with people from outside your household are set in law, and enforceable with significant fines for those who don’t follow them.

Can I still see my children if they don’t live in the same household? What if they live in a lower tier area?

Though the rules for areas in Tier 3 state that you shouldn’t meet up with anyone from outside your household, there are some exceptions for childcare.

These exemptions mean you can provide childcare in another household for someone in your support bubble or childcare bubble, plus childcare providers like nannies can provide childcare support in private homes.

There is another exemption in place which means that parents and children who do not live in the same household are able to mix indoors.

Further guidance specific to those who are co-parenting was published in a government research briefing, here.

A childcare bubble is formed when someone in one household provides informal childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household.

People living in Tier 3 areas are advised not to travel outside their area unless required to do so for work, education or caring responsibilities.

Can I still go to the dentist and hospital for appointments?

While there is no specific exemption for medical appointments on the government’s travel advice for areas in Tier 3, this aspect of the guidance is only advisory.

There are exemptions in other parts of the guidance for medical appointments, such as the legal ban on gatherings, so it seems safe to assume that travelling to and from medical appointments is acceptable.

If possible, try to avoid public transport to get to your appointment. It might also be worth confirming your appointment is still scheduled to go ahead before setting off, and checking the venue’s social distancing policy.

Can I still meet people outside in a park?

Tier 3 restrictions mean that meeting up with people from outside your household indoors, in a private garden, or in the majority of outdoor public spaces is now banned.

But you can meet with people in outdoor public places like parks and beaches, in numbers of six or fewer.

If you are part of a support bubble, you may meet with the other people in your support bubble indoors or outdoors.

If I go cycling for exercise, am I allowed to cross county borders that are in different tiers?

While residents of Tier 3 areas are being encouraged to limit their travel, cycling is encouraged as a method of travel instead of public transport, and is allowed for exercise.

Generally, people are being advised not to travel outside their area, although this is allowed as part of a longer journey.

So, if for instance you set off on your bike from within a Tier 3 area and cycled through areas in a lower tier before returning home, this would be acceptable.

I’m a local driving instructor who can’t social distance at work. With Tier 3 restrictions, does this mean I am unable to work during these changes?

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has said that driving lessons and tests, theory and practical, can continue, even in Tier 3 areas, so long as the relevant guidance is followed and precautions taken.

The government has published specific guidance for people who work in their cars, which you can find here.

Can I be prosecuted for travelling outside Tier 3 for a holiday in the UK?

The official guidance says that people should try to avoid travelling outside their area, unless it is for education or work.

However, unlike some aspects of the government Tier 3 restrictions, the advice not to travel is just that at this stage, advice.

You can’t be prosecuted for leaving a Tier 3 area to go on holiday, although it might be worth thinking about whether you can rearrange or travel to somewhere within your tier.