BRACKNELL Forest will face tier two coronavirus restrictions when lockdown ends.

This means the borough is at ‘high alert’ currently, but this could change again after two weeks. 

READ MORE ON THIS STORY:

- MP called for Bracknell Forest to be placed in tier one

- LIVE updates and reaction as all but one area in Berkshire plunged into tier 2

- Council leader says Tier 2 restrictions are 'frustrating' for residents

- Full list of every area in England by covid tier

The tougher new restrictions come despite latest data showing Bracknell Forest has an infection rate of 87.3 per 100,000 people in the past seven days — the lowest rate in all of Berkshire. 

What does tier two mean for me?

Tier two restrictions will impact residents in a number of ways. Here’s what you can and can’t do at your favourite places: 

READ MORE: Why new tier system is being introduced

Home: Cannot meet other households indoors unless in a support bubble

The park: You can meet up in a group of six here and other outdoor areas

Bars and pubs: Must close unless operating as a restaurant, too

Restaurants: Open but can only provide table service, must ask for last orders at 10pm and will shut at 11pm. 

Shops: Essential and non-essential retail is open

Schools, colleges and universities: Open

The gym: Open

The cinema: Open, as are other entertainment venues

Places of worship: Open, but cannot interact with anyone outside household

Hairdressers: Open, just like other personal care outlets

Sports stadium: You can attend live games in a capacity of up to 2,000

Sports pitch: Organised, non-professional sport can resume

What else do I have to do?

Across all three tiers, people are still being asked to: 

  • Wear a face covering in indoor public settings
  • Attend school, college or university as normal, unless self-isolating. 
  • Walk or cycle where possible and avoid public transport
  • Work from home where possible
  • Avoid travel to tier three areas

When will these restrictions come into force and how long will they last for?

Tier two restrictions begin when the second national lockdown ends on Wednesday, December 2. 

READ MORE: Latest coronavirus data for all Berkshire areas

Tier placements will be reviewed every fourteen days and will be based on five criteria: case numbers across all age groups, cases in those aged over 60, the rate of rise or fall in infections, the percentage of those tested who have the virus, and the projected pressures on the NHS locally. 

Many news outlets are reporting the revised tier system will be in place until March 2021.

Will this affect my Christmas plans?

Some social contact restrictions will change over a short period during the festive season. 

From December 23 to December 27, you can form a Christmas bubble composed of people from no more than three households. 

You can only be in one Christmas bubble, however, and you cannot change your Christmas bubble. 

You can travel between areas with different tiers and UK nations during this time. 

You should only meet with your bubble in private homes or gardens, in places of worship or in public outdoor spaces. 

You can not meet someone in a private dwelling who is not part of your household or Christmas bubble.