There are many similarities between Falmouth and Felixstowe. Both are coastal towns popular with visitors searching for sun, sea and sights to enjoy when not on the beach.

Distance aside, another thing will separate them as from Wednesday when Falmouth enjoys being in Tier One, and all the freedom that means, while Felixstowe will be in Tier Two.

Yet the cut-off points are agonisingly close, with Felixstowe only separated from Falmouth on the covid graph by the Isle of Wight and the smallest of margins.

The latest figures from Public Health England show East Suffolk had 162 cases in the week leading up to November 28th.

In Cornwall, the number remains low. As of Sunday Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly had 21 cases, with a rate of 38.2 per 100k of the resident population. Only four deaths have been recorded over the past week – within 28 days of taking a test.

While in Felixstowe the rule of six applies. This means you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place and you must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside, including in a garden or a public space.

In Falmouth people from other household are allowed to mix, even if they are not family.

Also in Falmouth, pub-goers can enjoy an alcoholic drink or two without having to order a meal, whereas in Felixstowe you have to order a substantial meal before being served a drink as pubs must operate as if they are a restaurant.

Similarly, while Felixstowe Palace can stay open until 11pm, providing a performance starts before 10pm, it can only allow either 50% of its usual audience capacity, while in Falmouth the Phoenix Cinema can reopen fully once again.

The difference in watching sport is also acute, while you can go to watch Felixstowe & Walton United, only a maximum of 300 spectators will be allowed, whereas in Falmouth a maximum of 4,000 fans will be allowed at outdoor events. Good news for Falmouth Town at Bickland Park.

The fear is Falmouth, Penryn and Cornwall will be dragged into Tier Two and the council has urged residents to remain vigilant.

"Now is not the time to relax, we need to be on our guard more than ever before, if we are to remain in this position," said Cllr Julian German, leader of Cornwall Council.

"The tiers are reviewed every two weeks, and we are close to being in tier two, so I ask each and every resident of Cornwall to do their bit and remain vigilant if we want to stay in tier one and not see a rise in cases in the winter months ahead."

Falmouth and Felixstowe restrictions:

Falmouth - You can meet with friends and family you do not live within a group of up to 6, indoors or outdoors. This is the 'rule of 6'. This limit of 6 includes children of any age.

You can continue to meet in a group larger than 6 if you are all from the same household or support bubble or another legal exemption applies.

Felixstowe- You can only meet socially with friends and family indoors who you either live with or have formed a support bubble with

Falmouth- Venues can host multiple groups and should follow COVID-19-secure guidance, but you must not mix in groups larger than 6, unless you all live together, are in the same support bubble, or another exemption applies.

Felixstowe- Venues can host multiple groups and should follow COVID-secure guidance, but you must not mix with anyone who is not part of your household or support bubble when you are indoors.

Falmouth- Everyone who can work from home should do so.

Where people cannot do so – including but not limited to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing – they should continue to travel to their workplace.

Felixstowe- Everyone who can work from home should do so.

Where people cannot do so – including, but not limited to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing – they should continue to travel to their workplace.

Falmouth- You should walk or cycle if you can. Where that is not possible, use public transport or drive.

You should plan ahead and avoid the busiest routes, as well as busy times as much as possible.

Felixstowe- You can continue to travel to venues that are open, or for reasons such as work or education, but you should reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible.

Walk or cycle where possible, and plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. This will allow you to practise social distancing while you travel.

Falmouth- In line with guidelines from sporting national governing bodies, you can take part in organised sport and physical activity outdoors in any number.

Organised indoor sport and indoor exercise classes are only permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing in a group of more than 6 (or with people they live with or share a support bubble with).

Felixstowe- In line with guidelines from sporting national governing bodies, you can take part in organised sport and physical activity outdoors with any number of people.

You can only take part in organised sport, exercise classes and other group activities indoors with people you live with or share a support bubble with.

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