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The new local lockdown measures, which will divide authorities into “local Covid alert levels” depending on their rates of infection, is hoped to “simplify and standardise” rules in a bid to avoid a full lockdown again. Speaking to the House of Commons, the Prime Minister said: “This is not how we want to live our lives, but this is the narrow path we have to tread between the social and economic trauma of a full lockdown and the massive human, and indeed economic cost of an unconfined epidemic.

Can tier three areas still meet people outside?

The country has now been divided into three categories depending on how many coronavirus cases are present in the area.

The three tiers signify levels of severity, with tier one meaning “medium” risk, tier two equating to “high” and tier three translating to “very high”.

So far, Liverpool City is the only area in the UK to be immediately categorised as a tier three area.

The rules mean pubs and bars in Merseyside have to close their doors, while mixing between households is now banned in almost all circumstances.

Members of two households will, however, still be allowed to meet in an outdoor setting while observing the ‘rule of six’.

Restaurant visits can only be made by a single household or support bubble, whether indoors and outdoors.

In addition, alcohol can now only be served alongside or as part of a meal.

Mr Johnson said gyms, leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos will also need to close again under the new rules.

Residents will be advised not to travel in or out of tier three areas unless for essential reasons such as school or work.

Downing Street officials said the move was intended to create a “simple and consistent” system.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said: “It is important that whatever we put into place is enforceable.

“The guidance will be very clear and we would expect people to follow it.”

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Mr Johnson was criticised by Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, who agreed there was a need for action but was “deeply sceptical” that the Prime Minister had a cohesive plan for the coming months.

Mr Johnson also came under fire from some of his own MPs, who expressed concern at the potential impact of the new rules on the already-struggling hospitality industry.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said he was pleased the Government had agreed not to close pubs and bars in the region for now.

Mr Burnham warned that Greater Manchester “could be in tier three at some point”, and said he would keep pushing for adequate compensation for businesses and workers who were forced to stop trading and working.

The mayor said: “It’s mixing that spreads the disease and we don’t have evidence that hospitality is the main cause.

“In fact, I would go as far as to say that the closing of hospitality causes more mixing in terms of social gatherings.

“I know they haven’t got the evidence because we asked for it and they couldn’t produce it.”

Most of England will be on the lowest tier, and will have to continue adhering to the national measures introduced last month, including the rule of six and 10pm curfew on hospitality venues.

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