BRACKNELL Forest will face tougher tier 3 coronavirus restrictions from Saturday after a sharp rise in cases over the past two weeks. 

This means the borough will be at ‘very high alert’ until at least the end of the year as the whole of Berkshire faces the tighest rules. 

The restrictions come following a surge in covid-19 transmissions in Bracknell Forest since the second national lockdown ended. 

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The borough has an infection rate of 222 cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days, according to the latest government data. 

This is up from a rate of 87.3 when it was announced Bracknell Forest would enter tier 2 at the end of November. 

Community leaders have said the surge is mainly being driven by young people after many schools reported outbreaks in the past two weeks. 

What does tier 3 mean for me?

Tier 3 restrictions will impact residents in a number of ways. Here’s what you can and can’t do: 

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  • You cannot meet socially with people from other households either indoors or in private gardens or outdoor venues, apart from in a support bubble.
  • However, you can meet in a group of up to six people at parks, beaches, sports facilities or in the countryside. 
  • Shops are allowed to remain open. 

  • Pubs, bars and restaurants will close, but they are permitted to continue sales through takeaway, click and collect and drive-thru or delivery services. 
  • Accommodation such as hotels must close. 
  • Indoor entertainment venues should also close. This includes cinemas, bowling alleys, ice rinks, escape rooms, casinos and more. 
  • Indoor attractions at mostly outdoor entertainment venues will also close, including indoor attractions at zoos, aquariums and theme parks. 
  • Leisure and sports facilities can stay open, but group sessions are not allowed. 
  • Elite sports events can continue to take place without spectators. 
  • Organised outdoor sport will be allowed to go ahead. 
  • People are advised to avoid travelling outside their area. 

What else do I have to do?

Across all three tiers, people are still being asked to: 

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  • Wear a face covering in indoor public settings
  • Attend school, college or university as normal, unless self-isolating. 
  • Walk or cycle where possible and avoid public transport
  • Social distance where possible. 

When will these restrictions come into force and how long will they last for?

Tier 3 restrictions begin Saturday, December 19. 

Tier placements are reviewed every fourteen days and will be based on five criteria: case numbers across all age groups, cases in those aged over 60, the rate of rise or fall in infections, the percentage of those tested who have the virus, and the projected pressures on the NHS locally. 

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The next review is due at the end of the year. 

Many news outlets are reporting the revised tier system will be in place until March 2021.

Will this affect my Christmas plans?

Some social contact restrictions will change over a short period during the festive season. 

Despite facing pressure, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the Christmas relaxation period will remain in place. 

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From December 23 to December 27, you can form a Christmas bubble composed of people from no more than three households. 

You can only be in one Christmas bubble, however, and you cannot change your Christmas bubble. 

You can travel between areas with different tiers and UK nations during this time. 

You should only meet with your bubble in private homes or gardens, in places of worship or in public outdoor spaces. 

You can not meet someone in a private dwelling who is not part of your household or Christmas bubble.