THE Government has confirmed which coronavirus restrictions Cheshire East and West residents will have to follow when the second lockdown ends next week.

From Wednesday, December 2, both boroughs will be in Tier 2 – the ‘high alert’ level.

By name, it is the same tier that the two boroughs were placed in before the current lockdown, but in reality the rules will be much tougher.

What has the Government said today?

The Government released details on tiers online, before any ministers spoke about them today.

The tiers were announced in an online postcode checker, and Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson confirmed them on Twitter.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock then discussed the new tiers for England in a statement to MPs this morning.

He told the Commons: “The majority of England will be in Tier 2, but in a significant number of areas I’m afraid [they] need to be in Tier 3 to bring case rates down.

"I understand the impact that these measures will have, but they are necessary given the scale of the threat that we face."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a press conference later today.

MPs are expected to vote on whether to approve the new restrictions next Tuesday, and they are likely to be passed with support from Labour MPs.

Some backbench Conservatives who opposed the second national lockdown – including Tatton’s Esther McVey – could rebel, however.

Why is Cheshire in Tier 2?

The Government has published its reasons for placing both East and West boroughs, along with Warrington, in Tier 2.

It said: "Case rates are continuing to decline across Warrington and Cheshire, with a 27.4 per cent fall to 209 people per 100,000, in line with Liverpool City Region.

"However, case rates in those over 60 remain high (175/100,000) though falling. Positivity is 8.1 per cent.

"Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS foundation Trust has 150 inpatients with Covid-19."

What are the new rules from next week?

Households will be banned from mixing indoors, apart from support bubbles, while the ‘rule of six’ applies outdoors.

Pubs, bars and restaurants can reopen, but can only serve alcohol with a substantial meal, and must serve last orders at 10pm before closing at 11pm.

Shops, salons, hotels, gyms and indoor entertainment places will all be open, along with schools, colleges, universities and places of worship.

Live sporting events can take place in front of crowds of up to 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors.

Everyone who can work from home should do, while outdoor exercise classes can take place, but not indoor classes.

Weddings, civil partnerships, wedding receptions and wakes can take place with 15 guests, while 30 people are allowed for funerals.

Residents are urged to walk or cycle as much as possible, avoid busy times on public transport, avoid car sharing, and avoid travelling outside their own area unless it is necessary.

Covid-secure care home visits, through windows or visiting pods, can take place.

Will there be exceptions to the rules?

Yes – there will be exceptions for things such as childcare, caring for a vulnerable adult, attending health appointments and visiting someone who is terminally ill.

More information will be made available at gov.uk/coronavirus

What do you think? Email yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk