Covid postcode checker: How to check if you're in Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 - and England's new alert system explained

A new three-tier lockdown system has been announced for England, which will take effect after the current national lockdown comes to an end on 2 December.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the revised system in Parliament on Thursday (26 November), alongside a written ministerial statement, in which he confirmed which tiers local authorities in England will be placed into.

The system will see areas divided into Tier 1 (medium alert), Tier 2 (high alert) and Tier 3 (ver high alert), although the rules will be stricter than they were previously.

How do I check the rules in my area?

The government has launched an online postcode checker tool, which details which alert level applies in each area of England.

To use it, simply visit the government website and enter your postcode.

This will inform you whether your local area has been placed into Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3, and the lockdown rules that apply where you live.

The NHS Covid-19 app will also direct you to the same information.

The measures that are in place will be kept under constant review and could be subject to change in response to the local infection rates.

What are the rules in each tier?

Regions across England have been divided into different Tier 1 (medium alert), Tier 2 (high alert) and Tier 3) very high alert.

Here is a breakdown of the rules that apply across the three tiers:

Tier 1 - Medium alert

- All businesses that are currently shut can reopen

- Only table service is allowed at pubs and restaurants, with last orders to be taken at 10pm and venues closed by 11pm

- The rule of six will apply, including inside and outside pubs

- Schools, universities, gyms and places of worship can open

- Only 15 guest are allowed at weddings, and up to 30 at funerals

- Live events will be limited to 50 per cent capacity, or 4,000 people outdoors and 1,000 indoors

Tier 2 - High alert

- Households cannot mix indoors, but are permitted to meet outdoors providing this does not exceed the rule of six

- Pubs can only remain open if they serve “substantial meals”, otherwise they must close. Last orders must be taken by 10pm and venues closed at 11pm

- Schools, universities, gyms and places of worship can open

- Live events will be limited to 50 per cent capacity, or 2,000 people outdoors and 1,000 people indoors

Tier 3 - Very high alert

- Households cannot mix indoors or most outdoor places, including private gardens

- Pubs and restaurants must stay shut, but deliveries, takeaways and drive through is allowed

- Schools, universities, gyms and places of worship can open

- Wedding receptions are banned

- Overnight stays outside of the area is not permitted, unless it is essential

- Live events will be banned

Across all three tiers, the government has advised that people:

- must wear a face covering in most indoor public settings, unless they have an exemption

- should follow the rules on meeting others safely

- should attend school or college as normal, unless they are self-isolating. Schools, universities, colleges and early years settings remain open in all tiers

- should walk or cycle where possible, plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes when travelling

- must follow the gathering limits at their tier except for in specific settings and circumstances