What tier are Hastings, Bexhill, Battle and Rye in - and what does it mean for you?

The national restrictions are set to finish on Wednesday and will be replaced by a localised tier system, similar to the one introduced before the second lockdown.

On Thursday (November 26), the government announced Hastings and Rother would be placed into tier 2 (high), meaning no household mixing will be allowed and the rule of six will only apply outdoors. These rules will be effective from Wednesday (December 2).

All non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen, as will pubs and restaurants, which will have to close at 11pm rather than the previous 10pm.

Explaing the rationale for putting East Sussex into tier two, the Government said: “Case rates in Sussex are at 120 per 100,000 with a total positivity of 4.5 per cent. However, the trend is increasing in several areas. NHS admissions have been fairly stable in the last month but there is increasing occupancy in units treating more serious cases.”

The tiers will be reviewed every two weeks with the next update expected on December 16.

What does tier 2 mean?

The decision to place Hastings and Rother into tier 2 was based on a number of factors: the number of cases being reported; the rate at which cases are rising or falling; pressure on the local NHS; and positivity in the general population.

Much of England has been placed into tier 2, including London, while some other areas are under the strictest measures of tier 3. A few areas are in tier 1. Kent has been placed into tier 3.

In tier 2, people cannot mix with other households indoors. All non-essential shops may reopen, and bars and restaurants may reopen but will have to close at 11pm. Alcohol can only be served as part of a substantial meal.

Spectators will be allowed at sports events and live performances but numbers will be limited and hairdressers and other personal care businesses will be allowed to reopen.

The social guidelines for tier two are as follows:

- You must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place

- You must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’

- Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs

- Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals

- Hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol, close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt) and stop taking orders after 10pm

- Hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through

- Early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm

- Public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors

- Public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors

- Places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies

- Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stonesettings.

- Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue

- Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing

- You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible

- If you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey

- For international travel see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for your destination and the travel corridors list

‘Large increase’ in Covid-19 cases in East Sussex

All areas of East Sussex, including Hastings, Rother, Eastbourne and Lewes, were placed into tier two after a ‘large increase’ of Covid-19 cases were reported across the county in recent weeks.

In the past seven days, East Sussex has recorded a further 758 cases, at a rate of 136 per 100,000 – well below the national average of 218.4.

Hastings reported another 108 cases, taking the total to 642, while Rother saw another 138 cases in the week, taking the total to 758.

Eastbourne recorded another 153 cases, Lewes 100 and Wealden saw the biggest increase with 259.

‘Shop local’ as businesses reopen

Business leaders and local authorities across Hastings and Rother have called on the public to support their local traders as many of them prepare to reopen after weeks of lockdown saw them forced to close.

John Bownas, manager of the Hastings Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Whatever happens over the next month or so may be make-or-break for dozens of small local Hastings businesses, and it’s in all of our interests to find any way possible to help them by buying as much as we can from independent stores or at least spending our cash physically in the larger shops rather than just buying online from national suppliers.

“Every pound spent in a local shop keeps the economy alive – and we need that to happen so that next year, when the spring and summer arrive, Hastings can be fully open for businesses when families start to rediscover the attraction of the British seaside.

“The Victorians knew a thing or two about the health benefits of spending time by the seaside – and Hastings will be ready to capitalise on an influx of new tourists if we all do our bit to help our shops, restaurants and pubs make it through this bleakest of winters.”

Rother District Council repeated its call for people to support local businesses.

During the second lockdown, the council has produced a list of all businesses – forced to close – that have been offering takeaway and online services. As lockdown lifts next, the council is now calling on people to stay local to support their traders.

Hastings Borough Council’s leader councillor Kim Forward, also called for more support for local businesses: “Covid-19 has had a huge impact on many businesses, it is really important now more than ever that we all try to shop locally to support our high streets, economy and great independent local retailers.

“With the festive season fast approaching, remember many local businesses are now offering click and collect and delivery services too, this is a perfect way to stay safe while also shopping local.

“We will be doing our best to support these businesses and to continue to distribute government funding as quickly as we can.”

Cllr Doug Oliver, leader of Rother District Council said: “Independent retailers and businesses have been very hard hit over the last few weeks with the second lockdown, and it is vital our communities support them once they can trade fully again.

“Our local shops and high streets offer a unique shopping experience, with a wide choice of products and great customer service – perfect for Christmas shopping.

“Measures are in place to help everyone shop safely, including Covid-19 Information Officers who are working with both businesses and members of the public across the district.

“I encourage the residents of Rother to support their high street shops by shopping locally in the run up to Christmas and beyond.

“Please remember when shopping, dining or collecting items to ensure you observe social distancing, wear a face covering when required and sanitise your hands regularly to help keep everyone safe.”