Sex Banned Between People From Different Households In Tier 2 And Tier 3 Lockdown Areas

Sex is now banned between people from different households living in areas subject to Tier Two and Tier Three lockdown measures.

Under the new lockdown measures that have been introduced to some parts of England, people are no longer allowed to sleep over at someone else's house - unless they are in a support bubble.

Previously, the UK government had introduced the 'Rule of Six' which allowed those in 'established relationships' to sleep with one another, however, there is no such provision in the new set of measures.

This comes after Boris Johnson announced a new three-tier lockdown system, which was introduced in order to prevent the spread of the deadly disease as the number of cases has started to rise in recent weeks.

Addressing Parliament, the Prime Minister outlined three levels labelled 'Medium', 'High' and 'Very High', explaining how each stage will incorporate different sets of rules depending on how severe the situation is in the given area.

PA

Saying that restrictions have previously been 'complex' to understand and enforce, Johnson said: "We will now simplify and standardise our local rules by introducing a three tiered system of local Covid Alert Levels in England - set at Medium, High and Very High."

The Medium alert level will 'cover most of the country' and consist of the 'current national measures', including the Rule of Six and the closure of hospitality venues at 10pm.

The High alert level 'reflects the interventions in many local areas at the moment', Johnson said, adding: "This primarily aims to reduce household-to-household transmission by preventing all mixing between different households or support bubbles indoors.

"In these areas, the Rule of Six will continue to apply outdoors, where it is harder for the virus to spread in public spaces, as well as private gardens."

Areas currently in the High alert level include London and Greater Manchester.

PA

"The Very High alert level will apply where transmission rates are rising most rapidly and where the NHS could soon be under unbearable pressure without further restrictions," Johnson continued.

"In these areas the government will set a baseline for prohibiting social mixing indoors and in private gardens - and, I'm sorry to say, closing pubs and bars."

Areas in the Very High alert level include the Liverpool City Region and Lancashire.

Last night (16 October), police cracked down on crowds of drinkers in London after they took to the streets to protest against the new Tier Two lockdown measures.

Officers were seen arresting several people who refused to adhere to the 10pm curfew in Soho.

Speaking about the new rules, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, the Met's lead for the Covid-19 crisis, told the Evening Standard that it was vital people cooperated with them, but warned that officers would be enforcing the measures.

He said: "This is a critical moment in London's fight against this deadly virus.

"Frustratingly, we have seen a small number of dangerous and reckless breaches of the regulations and as the alert level in London increases, we are adopting our policing approach."

Topics: Coronavirus, Politics, Health

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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