Hull is to move into tier two of the new coronavirus alert system, entering the ‘high’ risk category this weekend.

This means changes to how we are allowed to socialise indoors, including no longer having people in our homes who do not live there, or who are not part of our support bubble.

The new measures come into effect from 00.01 on Saturday 31 October.

Hull’s current seven-day infection rate, of 248 per 100,000 of the population, demonstrates how rapidly the situation has escalated and why action must be taken now. On 8 September, Hull’s rate was 4.4 per 100,000 of population, on 29 September, it was 17.3.

City leaders have called upon everyone in the city to play their part in following public health guidance and the new restrictions.

Councillor Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council and chair of the city’s Outbreak Management & Prevention Engagement Board, said: "I urge every person in the city to familiarise themselves with the new rules that come into effect on Saturday. Without significant action, rates in our city will continue to climb, putting all of us, our loved ones and particularly the more vulnerable members of our community at risk.

"We have seen in other areas, with rates higher than Hull, residents coming together and reversing the growing infection trend. We need to do this in Hull to support the NHS, our local hospitals and health workers.

"I know how hard our residents and businesses have worked for many months now and the sacrifices they have made to try to control this virus. The way we have come together as a community to protect each other has been incredible, and we need to continue to stick together."

Hull City Council’s director of Public Health, Julia Weldon, said:  "This change was expected, and we have been in regular communication with the government and our neighbouring authorities in preparation for it. The restrictions are one of the only lines of defence we have against coronavirus, and it is vital we all adhere to them.

"Please continue to take care of each other by following the new guidance, washing your hands frequently, maintaining social distance and wearing a face covering when required; take notice by looking out for the key coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, new continuous cough or loss or change to sense of taste or smell); and take action by self-isolating immediately and getting a test if symptomatic."

From 00.01 on Saturday 31 October, all rules from tier one (alert level medium) will remain in place, however the ‘rule of six’ no longer applies indoors. 

The extra restrictions will mean:

• People must not socialise indoors with anyone who is not part of their household or support bubble, whether at home or in a public space
• People can continue to meet family and friends not in their household or support bubble in outdoor settings. When they do so, they must not meet in a group of more than six people
• Visiting indoor hospitality, leisure and retail settings is restricted to one household, meaning two households must not meet in these settings, unless they are in a support bubble
• People may continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, for work, voluntary, charitable or youth services, or to access education, within a high level alert area, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible
• People can still go on holiday outside of the area, but should only do this with people they live with, or have formed a bubble with (dependant on any local restrictions in the area they are visiting)
• Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors; these will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with. There are exceptions for supervised activities for under-18s, and disability sport
• People should not attend amateur or professional sporting events as spectators
• Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner
• Certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am
• Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
• Schools, colleges, universities and places of worship will remain open
• Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees

For more information and the latest guidance, visit the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know.

 For further information visit about the new measures and what support is available for residents, businesses and local communities in Hull, visit: http://www.hull.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-community-advice-and-support/coronavirus-your-role-protecting-hull