Boris Johnson has unveiled a new three-tier Covid strategy which divides England into areas of medium, high and very high alert level.

Mr Johnson told MPs that cases nationally had gone up four times in four weeks, there are more coronavirus patients in UK hospitals than on March 23 when the country went into lockdown, and deaths are rising.

Initially, the Liverpool city region was the only area moving into tier three – the most serious “very high” alert category – which carry the most severe new restrictions.

The majority of regions subject to local lockdown measures ahead of the changes will enter the new system at tier two, denoting “high” risk.

And the rest of England is in tier one, or “medium” alert, which means a continuation of such measures as the rule of six and the 10pm curfew – although some areas, such as London, have been warned they may soon be upgraded to tier two.

The system, however, is subject to change, with the Prime Minister warning that the coming months would “test the mettle” of the nation as it faces a second wave of Covid cases – here’s how you can check the exact restrictions in place for your area.

How can I check what tier my area is in?

During his announcement, Mr Johnson outlined the ways that people in England could monitor their local measures via “a postcode search on gov.uk, as well as the NHS Covid-19 app”.

Initially, this postcode checker was unavaible, but it did eventually go live on Tuesday 13 October and can be accessed here.

After entering your postcode, it confirms the local authority of your address and clarifies that “This area is in Local Covid Alert Level Medium/High/Very High” as applicable.

Full list of areas in Covid tier 2 and tier 3

On Thursday 15 October, it was announced that London, Essex, Elmbridge, Barrow-in-Furness, York, North East Derbyshire, Erewash and Chesterfield would all move into tier two, having previously been in the lower tier one alert category.

So far this is the only update to the list below, although there has been much confusion about Manchester and Lancashire potentially joining Liverpool in the most serious category, tier three.

Local Covid Alert Level: Medium

England

All areas, excluding those listed below

Local Covid Alert Level: High

Cheshire

  • Cheshire West and Chester
  • Cheshire East

Greater Manchester

  • Manchester
  • Bolton
  • Bury
  • Stockport
  • Tameside
  • Trafford
  • Wigan
  • Salford
  • Rochdale
  • Oldham

Warrington

  • Warrington

Derbyshire

High Peak – the wards of:

  • Tintwistle
  • Padfield
  • Dinting
  • St John’s
  • Old Glossop
  • Whitfield
  • Simmondley
  • Gamesley
  • Howard Town
  • Hadfield South
  • Hadfield North

Lancashire

  • Blackpool
  • Blackburn with Darwen
  • Burnley
  • Chorley
  • Fylde
  • Hyndburn
  • Lancaster
  • Pendle
  • Preston
  • Ribble Valley
  • Rossendale
  • South Ribble
  • West Lancashire
  • Wyre

West Yorkshire

  • Leeds
  • Bradford
  • Kirklees
  • Calderdale
  • Wakefield

South Yorkshire

  • Barnsley
  • Rotherham
  • Doncaster
  • Sheffield

North East

  • Newcastle
  • South Tyneside
  • North Tyneside
  • Gateshead
  • Sunderland
  • Durham
  • Northumberland

Tees Valley

  • Middlesbrough
  • Redcar and Cleveland
  • Stockton-on-Tees
  • Darlington
  • Hartlepool

West Midlands

  • Birmingham
  • Sandwell
  • Solihull
  • Wolverhampton
  • Walsall

Leicester

  • Leicester
  • Oadby and Wigston

Nottingham

  • Nottinghamshire
  • Nottingham City

Local Covid Alert Level: Very High

Liverpool City Region

  • Liverpool
  • Knowsley
  • Wirral
  • St Helens
  • Sefton
  • Halton

What does each tier of the new restrictions mean?

Tier 1 (Medium)

The first tier applies in areas where national restrictions continue to be in place, which currently means:

  • All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law, such as nightclubs.
  • The 10pm curfew on businesses selling food or drink, including bars, pubs and restaurants, remains in place. They can still operate takeaway and delivery services after 10pm.
  • Schools, universities and places of worship remain open.
  • Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees.
  • Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, provided the Rule of six is followed.
  • Rule of six remains in place for all other gatherings, indoors or outdoors.

Tier 2 (High)

The second tier is applied in areas with a higher level of infections. The following additional measures are in place:

  • People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place including bars and restaurants.
  • They can mix with other households outdoors, including in gardens or outdoor hospitality settings and parks, but the group cannot exceed six.
  • People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.
  • Schools, universities and places of worship remain open.

Tier 3 (Very High)

The third alert tier applies to areas with a very high level of infections. Below is a baseline of measures set by the government for any area in this local alert level. Consultation with local authorities will determine additional measures:

  • Pubs and bars will close unless they serve substantial meals operating as if they were a restaurant. Alcohol served only as part of a meal.
  • Indoor gyms and fitness/dance studios, sports facilities, leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos will close. Wedding receptions not permitted.
  • People cannot mix with other households indoors anywhere, including private homes and restaurants, or in private gardens or restaurant outdoor areas, unless they are with members of their support bubble. They can mix in other outdoor public places like parks, under the rule of six.
  • People advised against travel outside their local area or into another Tier 3 area other than for work, education, accessing youth services, or to meet caring responsibilities.
  • People advised against staying overnight in another part of the UK if they are resident in a Tier 3 area and must avoid staying overnight in a Tier 3 area if they are resident elsewhere.
  • Schools, universities and places of worship remain open.