From 26th December Falmouth, Penryn and the rest of Cornwall will move into Tier 2 local restrictions, the government has announced.

This follows a steep rise in cases across the country, including in Cornwall.

Tier 2 rules are as follows:

• You cannot spend time indoors with people outside of your household or bubble

• You can still meet up to six people outdoors

• You should lower the number of journeys you make

• Work from home if you can

• You can travel to other tier areas for work, education, medical attention or caring responsibilities

• If you travel to a higher tier area you need to follow their rules while in the area

• If you travel to a lower tier area you must follow our Tier 2 restrictions.

For businesses

• Pubs and bars must close unless they are operating as a restaurant

• Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with a substantial meal but must stop taking orders at 10pm and close by 11pm

• Shops, gyms and personal care such as hairdresser can stay open.

Rachel Wigglesworth, director of public health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said:

"Unfortunately, we're now seeing a steep rise in case numbers across the country – including here in Cornwall. Changing tier means stricter rules, but if we all stick to them it will help prevent the virus from spreading further.

"It is absolutely vital that we continue to follow the guidelines to keep one another safe. That means continuing to wash your hands or using hand sanitiser often, wearing a face-covering in public places such as shops and on public transport, and keeping two metres apart.

"Testing facilities will be open over the festive period, so if you have any symptoms – a persistent cough, a high temperature or a loss of taste or smell - please remember to self-isolate straight away and book a test."

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