The New Forest will enter Tier 4 restrictions from tomorrow, the government has announced.

This will come into effect from 12.01am and the area will join the rest of Hampshire in the toughest tier of Covid restrictions.

The area had only entered Tier 3 on Boxing Day, following an announcement from the government last week.

In a nutshell, what does being in Tier 4 mean?

You must stay at home and only leave for a specific purpose or if you have a “reasonable excuse”.

This includes going to work if it cannot be done from home, shopping for essentials such as food and medicine, attending education or training, using registered childcare, outdoor exercise and for medical reasons.

Who am I allowed to meet up with?

The rules are strict: you cannot meet other people indoors unless you live with them or they are part of your existing support bubble.

Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household in a public place.

Are support and childcare bubbles still allowed?

Yes, these can continue in Tier 4 areas.

Early years settings and childminders can remain open as normal, while nannies are also allowed to carry on providing services, including in the home.

More to follow