THE county will find out today which tier it will be placed in when local restrictions come back into force next month.

The return of a regional and reformed three-tier system from December 3 will see people in different parts of the country facing distinct rules with pubs and restaurants waiting to find out whether they can re-open.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday (November 23) that most areas will be placed in higher tiers which means Worcestershire could face tougher restrictions than it did before the second national lockdown started on November 5.

Under the government’s tier system, each area will be split into ‘medium’ risk (tier 1), ‘high’ risk (tier 2) and ‘very high’ risk (tier 3) each with a respective set of rules.

The expectation is that most areas will move up a tier from that which it was in before the national lockdown – meaning Worcestershire could be placed in tier 2.

Social distancing measures in ‘high’ risk areas would mean all shops could reopen, pubs and bars can reopen if they serve “substantial” meals but different households could not mix indoors.

Schools, gyms, universities and places of worship would all be allowed to open.

Up to 2,000 spectators or half of a ground’s capacity would also be allowed to return to watch sport – whichever number was lower. Outdoor grassroots sport could also be played.

Funerals can take place with 30 guests and weddings could be held with 15 guests.

Visits to care homes would be allowed to take place with measures in place such as screens, pods and window visits.

Theatres could open in tier 2 areas but would be limited to 1,000 guests or 50 per cent of capacity – whichever was lower. Cinemas, museums, bowling alleys, arcades and bingo halls could all reopen.

People in tier 2 areas are also expected to work from home wherever possible and keep journeys to a minimum.

However, if the county was placed in tier 3, the rules would change.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes would all have to close except for delivery, takeaway and drive-throughs. All shops could also stay open.

Mixing with other households would be banned indoors and outdoors except in public parks.

Weddings and funerals could still take place with the restriction on guests the same as tier 2. Care home visits could also take place.

Unlike tier 3 restrictions before the latest national lockdown, hairdressers and beauty salons could stay open. Outdoor grassroots sport would remain banned and all indoor entertainment venues including play centres, bingo halls, arcades, cinemas and theatres would all have to stay closed.