Stay alert as Oxfordshire moves into the tier 2 COVID alert level

From today, Wednesday 2 December, Oxfordshire is in the tier 2 alert level following the end of national lockdown.
Some existing guidance remains the same in that people should continue to work from home if they can do so, and education and childcare remain open. We’re also being encouraged to travel only if essential to do so. But remember that when travelling between areas that are in different tiers, you must adopt whichever restrictions are higher to prevent the spread of the virus.

What are the new tier 2 rules? There should be no mixing of households indoors apart from support bubbles. A maximum of six people are allowed to meet outdoors. Hospitality venues will be allowed to stay open until 11pm – with last orders at 10pm. However, only those that serve substantial meals can operate and alcohol can only be served with substantial meals. All essential and non-essential retail can now open, provided they have COVID-secure measures in place. Personal care services, such as hairdressers, can reopen. Indoor leisure activities can resume, with restrictions in place. Accommodation can reopen, but in all cases overnight stays are only permitted with your own household or support bubble. Weddings and funerals can continue to take place, with restrictions in place. Entertainment can reopen, with restrictions in place. Places of worship can open, but individuals cannot interact with anyone outside the household or support bubble. Residential care visits can resume, with restrictions in place. Large events can resume, with capacity limited to 50% or 2,000 people outdoors, and 50% or 1,000 people indoors - whichever is lower.

There is more support and advice on what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones online.