Just 24 hours after moving into Tier 3, Milton Keynes is set to jump to the new Tier 4 set of coronavirus restrictions from midnight tonight.
The Prime Minister announced the move for our city at a press conference this afternoon.
But which businesses will need to close their doors from midnight tonight as a result?
Non-essential retail, such as clothing and homeware stores, vehicle showrooms (other than for rental), betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods and mobile phone shops, and market stalls selling non-essential goods must all close from tonight in Milton Keynes.
However, these venues can continue to be able to operate click-and-collect (where goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises) and delivery service.
Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs must close with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway (until 11pm), click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery. These were already required to close under Tier 3.
Accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites must close, except for specific circumstances, such as where these act as someone’s main residence, where the person cannot return home, for homeless people, or where it is essential to stay there for work purposes.
Leisure and sports facilities such as leisure centres and indoor gyms, indoor swimming pools, indoor tennis and basketball courts, indoor fitness and dance studios, indoor climbing walls must all close.
Entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, amusement arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, skating rinks, go-karting venues, indoor play and soft play centres and areas (including inflatable parks and trampolining centres), circuses, fairgrounds, funfairs, zoos and other animal attractions, water parks and theme parks must also close their doors.
Indoor attractions at botanical gardens, heritage homes and landmarks must also close, though outdoor grounds of these premises can stay open
Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons must all shut. Tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services must also close. It is also prohibited to provide these services in other people’s homes
Community centres and halls must close except for a limited number of exempt activities, as set out below. Libraries can also remain open to provide access to IT and digital services - for example for people who do not have it at home - and for click-and-collect services
Indoor gyms and sports facilities will close. Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery/driving/shooting ranges, riding centres and playgrounds can remain open for individual exercise, and for people to use with others within your household, support bubble, or with one person from another household.
Organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people will be allowed.
You can attend places of worship for a service. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
