From Wednesday 2 December the Tandridge district, along with the rest of Surrey, will move from the current national restrictions into Tier 2 (High) of the government’s three tier system for England.

Under the Local Covid Alert Level system, Tier 2 is for areas with a higher rate of infections and means some additional restrictions will be necessary to slow the spread of the virus. This aims to reduce household to household transmission by preventing mixing between households or support bubbles indoors. The rule of six will apply in outdoor spaces, including private gardens.

Tier 2 restrictions mean:

  • You can’t socialise with people you don’t live with, or who aren’t in your support bubble, in any indoor setting.
  • You must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside (rule of six), including private gardens, beaches or parks.
  • Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid-secure manner, other than those required to close by law.
  • Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants.
  • Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, last orders must be taken by 10pm and they must close between 11pm and 5am.
  • Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off their premises can continue to do so after 11pm, as long as this is through a delivery service, click and collect or drive-thru.
  • Schools, universities and places of worship remain open.
  • Weddings and funerals can go ahead, with restrictions on the number of attendees.
  • Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors and will only be permitted indoors if it’s possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport.
  • You can continue to travel to venues or amenities that 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.

This is in addition to national restrictions already in place, which include:

  • Wearing face coverings in places you’re required to.
  • Observing social distancing.
  • Working from home when possible. If you can’t work from home you should walk or cycle if you can, avoiding using public transport at busy times.

A message from the Tandridge District Council Group Leaders:

Councillor Tony Elias, Leader of the Council and Conservative Group, Councillor Catherine Sayer, Leader of the Independents and OLRG Alliance, Councillor Chris Botten, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Martin Allen, Leader of the Independent Group

“We’re extremely grateful for everything residents have done since March to help keep the number of cases in our district as low as possible. We know how difficult this time has been for many of our residents.

It’s so important we all continue to follow the government guidelines and do everything we can to reduce the spread of the virus in our district.

Please do continue supporting your local businesses, safely of course, as they’ve really relied on the loyalty and support of residents during the pandemic.

Thank you all for your understanding and patience. Our website contains the most up to date help and support for residents and businesses. If we all pull together and follow the guidance, we’ll hopefully be able to reduce the spread of the infection, keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and get back to doing the things we enjoy.”

Find out more about the measures that apply in high alert level areas to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Frequently asked questions.