WILTSHIRE will be in tier two as we exit the second lockdown next week.

Tier Two is 'High Alert'.

This means tougher restrictions for Salisbury, compared to what we experienced previously under the tier system.

MORE: - Follow LIVE local reaction to the tier two news

- How and why Wiltshire ended up in Tier Two

- What does tier 2 mean? New restrictions for Salisbury and Wiltshire

Announced today, November 26, as of next Wednesday the county will be under the restrictions attached to this tier.

Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “It is disappointing, but not surprising, that we find ourselves in a higher tier than before.

"We have been planning for such an eventuality and we want to reassure residents and businesses that we are here to help them get through this."

Tier 2 measures include: 

  • All businesses and venues not currently shut expected to stay open.
  • Pubs and restaurants are allowed to reopen but only if they serve substantial meals. Restricted to own household and table service only.
  • Curfew to be extended, with last orders called at 10pm. 
  • Household bubbles only allowed indoors, but rule of six expected to continue outdoors.
  • Places of worship to reopen, with people required to remain in their own household bubbles.
  • Gyms to reopen, with outdoor and grassroots and children’s team sports back on.
  • Cinemas to reopen.
  • Non-essential retail to reopen.

Responding to the news on Twitter, MP for Salisbury John Glen said: "I know that some of you will be disappointed we are not in tier 1 but we have to get on top of the virus and do everything we can to stop it spreading."

Dorset and Hampshire will also be in tier 2, meaning areas in the New Forest and Blackmore Vale will be restricted by the same measures.

The government says the decision of which area goes into which tier has been based on case detection rates in all age groups, case detection rates in the 'over 60s', the rate at which cases are rising or falling, positivity rate and pressure on the NHS.

In a rationale published by the government, it states that Wiltshire and Swindon have been allocated tier 2 as "case rates continue to fall in Swindon but are increasing in Wiltshire".

It added: "Overall case rates are 143/100,000 and 93/100,000 in the over 60s. Positivity is 6.2 per cent. Swindon and Wiltshire STP are reporting increasing admissions to hospital."

The tiers will be regularaly reviewed, with the first review scheduled for Wednesday, December 16.

This means there are two weeks to reduce infections and local authorities can make a case for being moved down to tier 1 measures.