Cornwall is to remain in Tier One the government has announced this morning.

The news has been welcomed by Steve Double MP for St Austell. He said:

"It is very welcome news that Cornwall remains in Tier 1 and will now be in Tier 1 at least up until Christmas.

"However it is very important we do not become complacent. We have seen an increase in the number of cases locally, albeit from a low base. It is vital we all keep to the rules and follow the guidance to avoid having to go into a higher tier in the New Year.

"It is also important that we all behave responsibly over Christmas when the restrictions are eased. We all need to assess what is right for our own family. Just because something is allowed does not mean it is right for our own situation."

In tier 1:

you must not socialise in groups larger than 6 people, indoors or outdoors, other than where a legal exemption applies.  This is called the ‘rule of 6’

businesses and venues can remain open, in a COVID secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs

hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to:

provide table service only, for premises that serve alcohol

close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, on transport services and in motorway service areas are exempt)

stop taking orders after 10pm

hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through

early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm

public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 4,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors

public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 4,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors

places of worship remain open, but you must not attend or socialise in groups of more than 6 people while there, unless a legal exemption applies

weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events

organised outdoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes can continue

organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes can continue to take place, if the rule of 6 is followed. There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes, and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing

if you live in a tier 1 area and travel to an area in a higher tier you should follow the rules for that area while you are there. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as part of a longer journey

for international travel see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for your destination and the travel corridors list