Tier 2 restrictions for our region up to 5 November 2020

The Government has further simplified and standardised local rules by introducing a three tiered system of local COVID alert levels in England:

• Medium - this is for areas where national restrictions continue to be in place
• High - this is for areas with a higher level of infections where some additional restrictions are in place
• Very high - this is for areas with a very high level of infections and where tighter restrictions are in place

Sunderland, and the rest of the North East, is now subject to 'High' restrictions. These new restrictions are in force from Wednesday 14 October.

This means:

• Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes
• Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble indoors, such as pubs and restaurants
• Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only
• Late night restriction of operating hours will be introduced, with leisure and entertainment venues required to close between 10pm to 5am.

Residents are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection:

• Residents are advised to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work
• Holidays should be taken within your own household or support bubble
• Residents are advised against attending outdoor amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

See below for frequently asked questions on the new restrictions which apply across County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

You can also read the latest regulations from Government on restrictions in the North East here.

Common questions on new restrictions

Testing site FAQs