As the number of COVID-19 cases rises across England, the UK government has recently introduced a new three-tier system for England to help tackle the outbreak. The aim of the COVID-19 three-tier system is to apply the appropriate levels of interventions based on the needs of a specific geographical area.  

The new system is complex, and is comprised of three tiers according to the COVID alert level:  

• Tier 1 – medium local COVID alert level  
• Tier 2 – high local COVID alert level  
• Tier 3 – very high local COVID alert level  

Crucially, when a region moves up a tier, new restrictions are introduced on top of/in addition to the previous restrictions.  

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Tier 1: Medium local COVID alert level

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Most of England is already in Tier 1, as it encompasses the standard rules that have already been introduced. These are as follows:

• You must not socialise in groups larger than 6, indoors or outdoors;
• Hospitality venues close at 10 pm, but can continue to serve food through via home delivery or takeaway service;
• Businesses and venues can continue to stay open but must operate in a COVID-secure manner;
• Universities, schools and places of worship remain open;  
• Weddings and funerals go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees; and  
• Exercise classes and organised sport can continue both outdoors and indoors if the rule of 6 is followed.

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All pre-existing guidelines continue to apply, including:

• Wearing a face mask in areas where it is mandated by law;  
• Following social distancing rules;  
• Working from home where possible; and  
• Plan ahead when travelling - avoid busy routes and times and walk or cycle if possible.  

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Tier 2: High local COVID alert level

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Most areas that have been placed under local restrictions have automatically moved into the high alert level.  

Tier 2 adds a further set of restrictions on top of Tier 1.  

What’s changed:  

• Your must not socialise indoors with anybody outside of your household or support bubble; and
• Exercise classes will only be allowed indoors if it is feasible to avoid mixing people from different households, or for youth or disability sport.

What stays the same:

• Outdoor meetings are still allowed while following the rule of 6;  
• Exercise classes continue to be allowed outdoors while following the rule of 6;
• Businesses and venues can continue to operate in a COVID-secure manner;
• Hospitality venues continue to close at 10pm, but can still serve food through delivery or takeaway;
• Universities, schools, and places of worship remain open; and  
• Weddings and funerals continue to go ahead with restrictions on the numbers of attendee  

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All other guideline (wearing masks, social distancing, working from home) remain in place.  

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Tier 3: Very High local COVID alert level

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Tier 3 introduces additional restrictions:

• You must not socialise indoors or outdoors with anyone that is not a member of your household or support bubble except in public places such as parks;  
• Pubs and bars are closed unless they operate like a restaurant, meaning they serve substantial meals. All alcoholic drinks must be served with food;  
• People are advised not to travel outside of the high-risk area unless necessary; and  
• People are advised not to stay overnight in another part of the UK or journey into a high alert level area.

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What remains the same:  

• Universities, schools, and places of worship remain open;  
• Weddings and funerals continue to go ahead with restrictions on the numbers of attendees; and  
• Exercise classes continue to be allowed outdoors while following the rule of 6 but will only be allowed indoors if it is feasible to avoid mixing people from different households, or for youth or disability sport.

All other pre-existing guidelines (wearing masks, social distancing, working from home) remain in place.  

Crucially, Tier 3 restrictions can vary from area to area based on discussion between central and local government. To keep up to date with the latest restrictions in your local area, click here.  

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Phlo is here to help. If you need any assistance in accessing your medication or know of anyone who would benefit from ordering and managing their medication from the safety of their own home. Then please call our Pharmacy team on 020 8191 9444 or e-mail us at pharmacy@wearephlo.com

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