Coronavirus latest: When will Dorset learn if it will move Tiers and what the rules are

Both Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas were placed in Tier 2 level by the Government at the end of the second lockdown.

While there was dismay from senior council figures, businesses and residents, the Government say the county, like others, will be judged if it can move into another Tier after two weeks.

Cases in both Dorset authorities remain low post-lockdown and much lower than the national average.

Businesses in the area would welcome a shift into Tier 1 with the relaxed rules, while people would also be able to mix indoors and outdoors with other households.

Here is what you need to know ahead of this week’s review.

• See more: "Covid-19 will not be taking a break over Christmas”: warning from Dorset health officials

Why was Dorset placed in Tier 2?

The rate of coronavirus cases in over 60s in Dorset was one of the key reasons why the county has been placed in Tier 2 of restrictions following the end of lockdown.

Written statements published following health secretary Matt Hancock's announcements show the government's reasoning for Dorset being in Tier 2.

It states that a high number of cases among the over 60s and rising coronavirus patients in Dorset hospitals as the key reasons.

A statement read at the time: "Case rates are falling across the area (131/100,000 in all cases and 99/100,000 in the over 60s).

"However, the over 60 case rate is still high at 151/100,000 in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Positivity is 5.2 per cent.

"In addition, the Dorset STP (sustainability and transformation partnership) reports daily admissions to hospitals are increasing."

• See more: R rate for Dorset and South West changes as coronavirus cases fall

Does Dorset stand a good chance of being in Tier 1?

An interactive map shows how Covid-19 cases have fallen across Dorset. Picture: Public Health England

The case rates for both Dorset Council and BCP Council make for positive reading, with case rates in both areas declining.

The figures are the number of infections per 100,000 people in the seven days up to and including December 9 for Dorset Council is 44.1.

The case rate in the BCP Council area stands at 67.3. For comparison, the figure for England is 172.

In terms of hospital patients with coronavirus, this is also falling. There were 88 coronavirus patients being treated in Dorset hospitals as of Tuesday, December 1.

According to the latest figures from NHS England, University Hospitals Dorset Trust was caring for 77 coronavirus patients, down from 100 from the previous week.

Dorset County Hospital Trust was caring for one coronavirus patient. The number of people being treated was down from three on the same day the previous week.

Dorset Healthcare University Trust was caring for 10 coronavirus patients. This was down from 24 on the same day the previous week.

• See more: Covid: How Dorset looks today compared to a month ago

When will we learn if Dorset will be in Tier 1 and what factors are judged?

Matt Hancock stated the Government will review the Tiers for each area on December 16.

The Government said the review will take place by Wednesday, December 16 an announcement on any changes to the allocations is then expected the following day.

Decisions are made based on the following criteria:

• cases numbers in all age groups
• cases numbers specifically in the over 60s
• rates by which cases are falling or rising
• infection rates per 100,000 people
• the projected pressures on the NHS

What is Tier 1 and what are the rules?

Weymouth town centre (Image: Newsquest)

Those in Tier 1 will have to follow these rules:

• Meeting friends and family: Maximum of six indoors or outdoors, apart from with members of a single household or support bubble.
• Bars, pubs and restaurants: Venues must be table service only. They must stop taking orders by 10pm and must close by 11pm.
• Retail: Open.
• Work and business: Everyone who can work from home should do so.
• Education: Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will be open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted.
• Indoor leisure: Open.
• Accommodation: Open.
• Personal care: Open.
• Overnight stays: Permitted with household, support bubble, or up to six people.
• Weddings and funerals: 15 guests for weddings, civil partnerships, wedding receptions and wakes, 30 for funerals.
• Entertainment: Open.
• Places of worship: Open, but cannot interact with more than six people.
• Travelling: Walk or cycle if possible, plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble. Avoid travelling into a Tier 3 area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Further exemptions apply.
• Exercise: Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but must follow the rule of six indoors. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue.
• Residential care: Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact).
• Large events: Sport, live performances and business meetings limited to 50 per cent capacity of 4,000 people outdoors (whichever is lower) and 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people indoors (whichever is lower).