At 00:01 on Saturday 31st October Stone will move with the rest of the county into Tier 2 (High Alert) in terms of Covid restrictions and here’s our guide to what that means for people living and working in Stone.
Here’s a video we’ve put together of what the Tier 2 changes mean, if you’ve got any other questions then please use the comments at the bottom of this article.
The main difference is that socially meeting indoors, in any setting, is restricted to people of the same household or support bubble.
Your questions answered:
WHY ARE WE MOVING INTO TIER 2?
Staffordshire is moving into Tier 2 in a bid to reduce the rising cases of Covid-19 across the county.
HOW LONG WILL WE BE IN TIER 2 FOR?
There will be a review of the status 14 days after we move into Tier 2.
CAN I STILL GO TO WORK?
Working from home, where possible, is recommended across all tiers.
If you cannot do your job from home or your workplace has been made Covid-safe then you can go to the office or place of work.
CAN I HAVE A TRADESPERSON COME IN?
Tradespeople are allowed to come into your home in any tier as long as they are there for work. It is advised that they stick to the distancing rules and wear masks.
ARE SCHOOLS STILL OPEN?
Yes. The Government have said that at all tiers schools, universities and places of education will remain open.
CAN I STILL SEE MY PARTNER?
If you are in a support bubble together then yes you can, and you can be close together (physical contact allowed).
If you’re not in a support bubble then you can meet outdoors but must socially distance (no physical contact).
WHAT ABOUT CHILDCARE?
Registered childcare providers or nannies are exempt from gathering limits.
Early years and childcare settings, including childminders, after-school clubs and nannies remain available.
People in your support bubble or people in your childcare bubble can also help out.
A childcare bubble is where someone in one household provides informal childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household.
For any given childcare bubble, this must always be between the same two households.
WILL SHOPS AND PUBS REMAIN OPEN?
Shops and businesses that are Covid-compliant can continue to trade in Tier 2.
Restaurants and pubs can have up to 6 people from the same household or support bubble inside but can be mixed if seated outside. The 10pm closing time stays in force.
CAN I TRAVEL TO A TIER 1 OR 3 AREA?
Yes, but you must still follow the rules for Tier 2 if visiting a Tier 1 area.
You cannot stay overnight with friends and family in a Tier 1 area or gather inside with them.
If you travel to a Tier 3 area you adopt the stricter rules.
It is recommended that you restrict journeys where possible.
CAN I GO ON HOLIDAY?
If you are on holiday when rules change in your home town, you do NOT need to return immediately.
In Tier 2 you can only go on holiday and stay with those in your household or support bubble.
You may stay in a hotel with people outside your household but you shouldn’t share rooms and should be outside when mixing with them.
CAN I USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
Public transport is available, whatever tier you are living in, but you must wear a face mask.
The Government continues to encourage people to reduce the number of journeys made where possible.
Walking, cycling and avoiding busy travel times are recommended.
CAN I CAR SHARE?
Car sharing is still advised against, as it can be difficult to socially distance in cars.
You should avoid sharing a car with anyone not in your household or support bubble.
WILL MY BUSINESS GET FINANCIAL SUPPORT?
Staffordshire County Council will be allocated additional government funding based on the number of hospitality, hotel, B&B and leisure businesses in the area.
Money will then be passed on in the form of business grants where appropriate.
WILL I BE FINED FOR BREAKING THE RULES?
People can be fined for meeting up in large groups or organising gatherings of people from other households.
Fines can be as high as £10,000 for people organising a mass gathering, while baseline fines for breaking the rules start at £200.
If you need help and support then please feel free to call the Stone Helpline on 0333 230 0112. The helpline is available between 8am until 6pm – 7 days a week.
