The whole of England could be placed under Tier 3 lockdown rules by Christmas

According to modelling from government scientists reportedly seen by The Sun, all of England could be placed under Tier 3 lockdown rules before Christmas.

Previously, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said that the government is trying its “absolute best to try to make sure we can get life back to as close to normal as possible for Christmas,” but also warned that this would depend on the ability of the public to follow Covid-19 guidelines.

What did the scientists say?

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) warned that, by Christmas, virus rates all over England would surpass the levels of infections already seen in areas placed in Tier 3.

The Sun says it learned that the latest government modelling, overseen by chief scientist Sir Patrick Vallance, shows that more than 25,000 people will be in hospital with the virus by the end of November. This is a higher figure than the previous peak in spring.

Professor John Edmunds, SAGE member, said last week, “The only way that we can have a relatively safe and normal Christmas is if we take radical action now to reduce incidence - at the very least in high incidence areas - and keep the incidence low across the country by implementing a package of measures to reduce social contacts.

“The notion that we can carry on as we are and have a Christmas that we can celebrate normally with friends and family is wishful thinking in the extreme.”

Which locations are currently in Tier 3?

These are the locations that are under Tier 3 restrictions at the time of writing, according to the government website.

Cheshire:

Warrington

Greater Manchester:

BoltonBuryManchesterOldhamRochdaleSalfordStockportTamesideTraffordWigan

Lancashire:

Blackburn with DarwenBlackpoolBurnleyChorleyFyldeHyndburnLancasterPendlePrestonRibble ValleyRossendaleSouth RibbleWest LancashireWyre

Liverpool:

HaltonKnowsleyLiverpoolSeftonSt HelensWirral

South Yorkshire:

BarnsleyDoncasterRotheramSheffield

What are the Tier 3 rules?

Tier 3, also known as the ‘very high’ Covid-19 alert level, is implemented in areas with extreme levels of infection which therefore require tighter restrictions.