BORIS Johnson has outlined the new three-tier system to come into place in England from December 3 - including that working from home will be encouraged in all tiers.

The prime minister this afternoon praised advances in testing, treatment and vaccines and said the “scientific cavalry is in sight”, adding:  “We know in our hearts that next year we will succeed.

“By the spring these advances should reduce the need for the restrictions we have endured in 2020 and make the whole concept of a Covid lockdown redundant.”

However, in his video-link statement to MPs in the House of Commons this afternoon (Monday November 23), Mr Johnson admitted that  “the hard truth is we’re not there yet.”

He said: “First we must get through winter without the virus spreading out of control and squandering our hard-won gains at exactly the time where the burden on the NHS is always greatest.

“Our winter plan is designed to carry us safely to spring.”

Boris Johnson confirmed that the lockdown measures will expire and not be renewed after December 2.

However, he warned: “without sensible precautions, we would risk the virus escalating into a winter or New Year surge.

“The incidents of the disease are, alas, still widespread in many areas.”

He said there will be a return to “tougher” regional tiers, but assured MPs that there would be a “uniform” approach to the regional restrictions this time round - citing lessons learned from before the lockdown period.

The main points outlined by the PM were: 

  • From next Wednesday,  people will be able to leave their home for any purpose and meet others in outdoor public spaces (subject to the rule of six).
  • Collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume, and shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector can reopen.
  • In all three tiers, people should work from home wherever possible.
  • In tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.
  • Additionally, in tier 2 alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal
  • While in Tier 3, indoor entertainment, hotels and other accommodation will have to close, along with all forms of hospitality, except for delivery and takeaways.

Mr Johnson said that he is “very sorry” for the “hardship” that such restrictions will cause business owners.

He added that he “hopes” to be able to confirm which authorities will fall into which tiers on Thursday based on analysis of cases in all ages groups, the rate at which cases are rising or falling in that area, and the percentage of the population to have the virus.

“We expect more regions will fall, at least temporarily,  into higher levels than before,” he warned.

Local authorities will be given greater enforcement powers to ensure compliance with restrictions, while the prime minister also announced the roll-out of new six-week ‘rapid testing’ schemes in all areas put into tier 3.

He said:  “Together with NHS Test and Trace and our fantastic armed forces, we will now launch a major community testing programme offering all local authorities in Tier 3 areas in England a six-week surge of testing.

“The system is untried and there are of course many unknowns, but if it works we should be able to offer those who test negative the prospect of fewer restrictions, for example meeting up in certain places with others who have also tested negative.

“Those towns and regions which engage in community testing will have a much greater chance of easing the rules, the tiering they currently endure.”

Mr Johnson said daily testing will also be used as part of attempts to “end automatic isolation” for close contacts of those testing positive for Covid-19.

Addressing the major question of the festive period, the prime minister said: ““I can’t say that Christmas will be normal this year, but in a period of adversity time spent with loved ones is even more precious for people of all faiths and none.

“We all want some kind of Christmas, we need it, we certainly feel we deserve it. But what we don’t want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again, forcing us all back into lockdown in January.

“So to allow families to come together, while minimising the risk, we’re working with the devolved administrations on a special time-limited Christmas dispensation, embracing the whole of the United Kingdom.”

However, he added:  “This virus is obviously not going to grant a Christmas truce” and said that people should make “careful judgement” when considering visiting elderly relatives.

Labour leader Keir Starmer said returning to a three-tier system was “risky” due to its previous failure, but praised the collaboration between the home nations regarding Christmas.