What does being in Tier 3 mean for Christmas after Matt Hancock announcement?

MATT Hancock has just announced that London, and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will go into Tier 3 from Wednesday.

But No10 have stressed that the category measures will be eased over Christmas - here's what you need to know.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

What are the rules for Tier 3 over Christmas?

Up to three households in Tier 3 will be able to meet inside over a period of five days over Christmas.

Social distancing and travel rules will be scrapped from December 23 to 27 -meaning families will be able to hug those in their bubble and stay overnight.

Cops won't be expected to patrol to enforce the new rules - but will step in if people break them by hosting huge gatherings and hold parties.

They will apply to all Tiers - despite the range of infections.

But people will be urged to be cautious no matter what.

Ministers have said giving each other hugs will be a "personal decision".

What are the rules for Tier 3 for December?

The rules will be stricter for the rest of December as follows:

• All shops can stay open
• You must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues
• Areas should only be at this level for 28 days then a review should take place
• You should maintain social distancing from anyone not in your household or support bubble
• People can't stay overnight somewhere outside of their local area unless needed for work, education or similar
• Accommodation will be closed in these areas except for specific reasons
• Pubs, cafes and restaurants must close except for takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
• You should work from home where possible
• Businesses such as hair, beauty and nail salons can stay open
• People are advised against travelling out of their area
• You should still wear a face covering
• Public buildings such as libraries can open
• Up to 15 people can attend a wedding ceremony or civil partnership but no reception is allowed
• Up to 30 people can attend someone’s funeral and up to 15 people can attend someone’s wake
• Gyms, pools, and leisure facilities can open

Can I go to the pub?

No. Unfortunately people in Tier 3 cannot sit inside the pub, but they will be able to collect a takeaway from their local.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants must all close except for takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.

Can I travel to see family?

You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open during the Christmas period, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.

People living in Tier 3 areas should avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary - such as for work, education, medical reasons or because of caring responsibilities.

You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.

But this won't count during the Christmas period - and people from all across the UK will be allowed to travel where they like.

They are urged to avoid public transport if possible, and to book trains to make sure there's space.