Tier 4 Covid restrictions could be brought in if infection rates don’t drop - the rules explained

A fourth tier of Covid restrictions could be introduced in England if the current local lockdown rules fail to bring infection rates down before Christmas, according to reports.

It is understood that discussions are already underway among Government officials and local authorities for a “plan B” to help reduce the number of Covid cases if the three-tiered system already in place fails to work, the i has reported.

Why might Tier 4 be needed?

Options under consideration by the Government include increasing the already tough Tier 3 restrictions to “tier three-plus”, or Tier 4, if the R-rate of transmission doesn’t fall below 1 by mid-November.

The possibility of short-term local circuit breaker lockdowns is also being discussed as part of plans to help drive infection rates down.

While Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said a full national lockdown was not an option due to the severe impact on the economy, society and mental health, that is not to say a harsher local and regional approach may not be taken instead.

There are concerns that even with several regions in England now under the top Tier 3 level of restrictions, including Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, such measures won’t be enough to bring infection rates low enough before Christmas.