We will be coming out of national lockdown next week and back into the toughened tier system.

And while lots of arrangements are still undecided, we've taken a look at the five factors which will help decide the next steps for your area.

What are the key indicators that will primarily determine the restrictions in each area?

The five factors include case detection rates in all age groups, case detection rates in the over 60s and the rate at which cases are rising or falling.

The two other measures are the positivity rate – the number of positive cases detected as a percentage of tests taken – and pressure on the NHS, including current and projected occupancy.

But Downing Street has declined to give any further details on the indicators, nor any estimate of the thresholds.

Why are there not rigid thresholds?

The Government has said it will need to maintain flexibility to weigh the indicators against each other – such as whether hospital capacity in neighbouring areas is lower.

Another example given in the Coronavirus Winter Plan is that case detection rates would need to be weighed against whether the spread of the virus is localised to particular communities.

“Given these sensitivities, it is not possible to set rigid thresholds for these indicators, as doing so would result in poorer quality decisions,” the plan states.

What about economic factors?

These are not listed among the key criteria but Downing Street said the Government was always aware of the effect of restrictions on the economy.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman, when asked if economic factors would be considered, said on Tuesday: “Ministers have always been cognisant of the economic impact.”

What are the new tiers?

There will be Tier 1, 2 and 3 as before but the rules will be strengthened.

Those living under Tier 1 will be allowed to meet a maximum of six friends or family outdoors or indoors.

Bars, pubs and restaurants will operate table service only, and must stop taking orders at 10pm, before closing at 11pm.

Retail and personal care – such as hairdressers and beauty salons – can reopen, and indoor entertainment venues – such as cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys and casinos – will be allowed to stay open.

In Tier 2, it means no mixing of households indoors aside from support bubbles will be allowed, with a maximum gathering of six permitted outdoors.

Pubs and bars will remain closed unless operating as restaurants, with alcohol only served as part of a “substantial meal” until 10pm, before venues must close at 11pm.

All retail, leisure and personal care services are able to reopen.

And Tier 3, will see groups of six only be able to meet in outdoor public spaces, such as parks and sports courts – but not in private gardens.

Hospitality will be closed except for takeaway in these areas.

Indoor entertainment venues – such as cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys and casinos – will remain closed.

People will be told to avoid travelling out of the area other than where necessary and to reduce the number of journeys.

No overnight stays will be permitted outside the local area, except for work or education, with accommodation to stay closed.

Weddings and civil partnerships can resume but with only 15 guests, increasing to 30 for funerals. Wedding receptions are banned in Tier 3.

What's happening about Christmas?

People will be able to join “Christmas bubbles” to allow families to reunite over the festive period.

The UK Government and devolved administrations have agreed the approach despite concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

The temporary easing of measures will allow three households to mix in a bubble from December 23 to 27.