Portsmouth placed in Tier 2 as coronavirus lockdown tiers are announced by government

In the House of Commons this morning, health secretary Matt Hancock is revealing tier locations for the entire country.

The news comes as the national lockdown comes to an end on December 2.

Portsmouth has been placed into tier two, the middle tier with additional restrictions.

The entire region had been in tier one prior to the second lockdown, but a surge in cases – particularly among middle aged and elderly residents – has proved costly.

Gosport, Fareham, Havant, East Hampshire and Winchester are also in tier two.

The Isle of Wight is one of very few places in the country to be placed in tier one.

Tier two, known as high alert, means people must not socialise with those outside their support bubble indoors, either at home or in public.

The rule of six will continue to apply and businesses can continue to operate, with a 11pm curfew for hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants.

People in tier two are urged to avoid travelling to tier three areas, unless absolutely necessary.

SEE ALSO: Live updates and reaction as Portsmouth is placed into Tier 2

Tier three is classed as a very high alert.

People must not meet at all with anyone outside their support bubble, and hospitality venues will be closed.

Indoor attractions, entertainment venues and accommodation sites must close, but shops can stay open.

The government launched a postcode checker so people can see which tier they live in, but this has crashed, believed to be because of the high number of people trying to use it at once.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as less adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app.

Our trial offer starts from £2 a month for the first two months.