THE whole of the Somerset County Council area has been placed in Tier 2 of the Covid-19 restrictions announced by the Government this morning (Thursday).

South Somerset, Somerset West and Taunton, Mendip and Sedgemoor are all in Tier 2.

The classification means the areas have "a higher or rapidly rising level of infections".

As a result they will be subject to "some additional restrictions" following the end of the second lockdown next Wednesday (December 2).

The restrictions imposed on the county mean 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 – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.

Shops, gyms, education settings and places of worship can remain open, with overnight stays permitted.

Up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings and up to 30 people at funerals, with 15 allowed at receptions and wakes.

People are advised to reduce the number of journeys they take where possible and avoid travel into very high risk Tier 3 areas.

Under Tier 2 restrictions, hospitality venues will be allowed to stay open until 11pm – with last orders at 10pm – but ONLY those that serve substantial meals can operate.

It means pubs and bars that do not will have to close.

In the sporting arena, spectators will be allowed in Tier 2, with a maximum crowd capacity outdoors of 50% of the capacity of the stadium or 2,000 people, whichever is smaller. Indoors, the maximum capacity is 1,000.

Indoor entertainment venues, such as cinemas, casinos and bowling alleys, must close.