Rugby to be put on 'Tier 3, Very High Alert' from December 2 - forcing pubs and restaurants to stay shut

Rugby borough is to be put on 'Tier 3, Very High Alert' under the new tier system that comes into effect when the lockdown ends on December 2, the Government has confirmed.

All of Warwickshire together with Coventry and Solihull will be placed under Tier 3 rules.

These restrictions, the most severe under the tier system, mean that no mixing of households is allowed - unless it is through a support bubble.

The borough's pubs and restaurants will also be forced to only offer takeaways while indoor entertainment venues must stay completely closed.

Some good news for Rugby's business owners is present, though, with the rules allowing shops, gyms and personal care venues to re-open.

A Government website which allows residents to check restrictions in their area appears to have crashed- but Rugby Borough Council released a statement earlier confirming the news.

Cllr Seb Lowe, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: “While we all want to return to a normal life as soon as we can, it is clear that more restrictions will be needed for now.

"It is important that we have clear instructions on what is expected of us – and I hope the tiered alert levels provide that clarity – but it is also important that we all follow those instructions.

“By keeping to the restrictions and remembering to wash our hands, cover our face and keep our distance we will be able to keep transmission of the virus down.”

See www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know for a full explanation of the tier system.