Following the news that Andover has been placed into Tier Two of lockdown restrictions, the government has announced when restrictions will be up for review.

Local authorities across the country will be reviewed on December 16, meaning that Test Valley could potentially be reduced to Tier One, the lowest level, before Christmas.

However, this is dependent on the infections in the borough and surrounding area declining, with the government having the final say.

Test Valley is in a good position to achieve this, however, with a rolling weekly average as of November 20 significantly below the England-wide average.

Test Valley had a rolling rate of 89.6 Covid cases per 100,000, compared to 218.4 for the entire country. This is also lower than the county-wide average rate, which stands at 120.1 per 100,000.

Discussing Test Valley being placed into Tier Two, TVBC leader Councillor Phil North said: “A vaccination is on the horizon and is now coming into view but in the meantime we need to continue to do all we can bring the infection rate down and hopefully work our way into the Medium Tier.”

Here is what Tier Two restrictions mean:

  • All businesses and venues not currently shut expected to stay open.
  • Pubs and restaurants are allowed to reopen but only if they serve substantial meals. Restricted to own household and table service only.
  • Curfew to be extended, with last orders called at 10pm.
  • Household bubbles only allowed indoors, but rule of six expected to continue outdoors.
  • Places of worship to reopen, with people required to remain in their own household bubbles.
  • Gyms to reopen, with outdoor and grassroots and children’s team sports back on.
  • Sports events will be able to welcome back fans at 50 per cent of stadium capacity, or 2,000 people, whichever is lower.
  • Cinemas to reopen.
  • Non-essential retail to reopen.