THE New Forest is being moved into the highest Covid-19 restrictions. 

The Tier 4 restrictions are coming into force from one minute past midnight tomorrow (December 31).

READ: Full list of places moved to tier 3 and 4 restrictions >>>

On Boxing Day, the New Forest was moved into Tier 3, while the rest of Hampshire went into Tier 4. 

Tier 4 restrictions

  • Stay at home, apart from limited exemptions set out in law
  • Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, and personal care services to close
  • Work from home if you can but you may travel to work if this is not possible
  • Those who are "extremely clinically vulnerable" are advised to stay at home at all times, unless for exercise or medical appointments, and not to attend work, even if they are unable to work from home 
  • Do not enter or leave Tier 4 areas, and Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home.
  • Individuals can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space. 

READ: Parts of Dorset to enter Tier 3 as Covid cases continue to rise>>>

Councillor Keith Mans, the leader of Hampshire County Council and chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, said: “Central Government has confirmed that the whole of our local authority area will be under Covid-19 Tier 4 restrictions, from 31 December.

“This comes as no surprise following a surge of cases across Hampshire and its surrounding local authority areas and is a reflection of the seriousness of the situation. I cannot stress enough how important it is to heed the Government’s advice to stay at home, particularly those who are elderly or clinically extremely vulnerable, and to limit travel to essential journeys only.”

“While I fully understand that people may be fed up with the restrictions being imposed on our everyday lives, it’s crucial that we get transmission rates down.  We must continue to work together, follow the rules for our Tier and protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities, Positively, the vaccine is now rolling out offering vital protection to the most vulnerable – bringing us hope for a healthier and happier spring.”   

What will be closed?

In Tier 4 non-essential retail must close, including clothing and homeware stores, betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods and mobile phone shops.

However, these stores can continue to operate click-and-collect systems, if goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises, and delivery services.

“Essential” retailers such as food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, off-licences can continue to open.

Weddings and funerals

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies should not happen in Tier 4, except in exceptional circumstances.

30 people can attend funerals.

Places of worship

Places of worship can open, but people must not interact with anyone outside their household or support bubble.