This is what would change if Sheffield is moved down to Tier 2 tomorrow

Restaurants, cafes, and pubs which serve food would be allowed to reopen if ministers move Sheffield into less harsh coronavirus restrictions tomorrow.
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The average rate of Covid-19 cases has fallen significantly in Sheffield since the city was first plunged into Tier Three lockdown on October 24, with the weekly rate down to 132.3 new cases per 100,000 people during the seven days to December 9.

Under the current ‘very high’ rules people in Sheffield and the whole of South Yorkshire are forbidden from mixing with other households either indoors or in private gardens.

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Residents are able to meet groups of up to six in outdoor areas such as parks but bars, pubs and restaurant are only open for takeaway services.

Sheffield and the whole of South Yorkshire are currently under Tier Three restrictions.Sheffield and the whole of South Yorkshire are currently under Tier Three restrictions.
Sheffield and the whole of South Yorkshire are currently under Tier Three restrictions.

Indoor entertainment venues such as casinos, theatres and cinemas have to stay shut under the very harsh restrictions but shops, gyms and hairdressers are kept open.

However, if the city is moved down into Tier Two in the lockdown review tomorrow (Wednesday, December 16) hospitality businesses which serve substantial meals would be able to welcome back customers for the first time since the national lockdown.

Instead of the previous 10pm curfew, pubs, restaurants and bars would stay open until 11pm but alcohol would only be served alongside a full meal under the ‘high’ measures.

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Sports fans would also be able to attend events with up to 2,000 spectators or 50 per cent of the venue’s capacity, under Tier Two rules.

There is still uncertainty over whether ministers will keep the city under the harshest level restrictions.

Health secretary Matt Hancock hinted that Leeds could be moved down a tier yesterday, despite having a higher rate of infections than Sheffield with 136.4.

However, South Yorkshire mayor Dan Jarvis insisted last week that it was ‘highly unlikely’ the region would be moved down a tier.

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Matt Hancock yesterday announced that London, alongside areas in Hertfordshire and Essex, would have be moved up into the harshest level of restrictions from tomorrow due to rising infection rates.

After this week’s lockdown announcement, there will be another tier review just before Christmas on December 23 – which means Sheffield will still have a chance to move down a tier before the new year.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.