British authorities raise alert level for London in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

As of today, 16 December 2020, due to the increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 infection, the British authorities have raised to a maximum (Tier3 / Very High) the alert level for:

• London (all 32 districts and City of London) and parts of the regions
• Essex (Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow, Epping Forest, Castle Point, Rochford, Maldon, Braintree, Chelmsford; Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea Borough Councils)
• Hertfordshire (Broxbourne, Hertsmere, Watford, Three Rivers)

What are the rules for Tier3:

Encounters with people you do not live in are not allowed indoors;
Meetings of more than 6 people (Rule of six) are not allowed in outdoor areas such as parks, beaches or recreational areas outside cities;
Restaurants, pubs, cafes are closed;
hotels, boarding houses, campsites and guest houses are closed;
Closed playgrounds, entertainment halls (casinos, bingo halls, cinemas, theaters, concert halls) are closed.

It is recommended to avoid travel outside the region of residence except as necessary (for work, education or medical treatment).