Explained: The new Covid restrictions across the UK from Boxing Day

An empty Oxford Circus Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Coronavirus restrictions changed across the UK on Boxing Day.

Here's a look at the rules for all four nations.

– What changes are being made in England?

Tier 4, the highest level of coronavirus restrictions, has been extended to cover large swathes of eastern and south-east England.

(PA Graphics) Credit: PA Graphics

Areas that have moved to Tier 4 are Sussex, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, parts of Essex not yet in the highest tier, Waverley in Surrey and Hampshire, with the exception of the New Forest.

– Are any other areas moving into a tougher tier?

Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset including the North Somerset council area, Swindon, the Isle of Wight, the New Forest and Northamptonshire plus Cheshire and Warrington have moved to Tier 3.

Elsewhere, Cornwall and Herefordshire moved up to Tier 2.

– Why are harsher measures being imposed in more areas?

New measures are being imposed against a backdrop of increasing infections, hospital admissions and a new more contagious variant in the UK which was announced last week.

– Where else will see changes to restrictions?

In Northern Ireland, a six-week lockdown started Boxing Day, with non-essential retail and close-contact services closed and hospitality outlets limited to takeaway services.

In the week following Christmas, a form of curfew will be in operation from 8pm, with shops closed from that time and all indoor and outdoor gatherings prohibited until 6am.

A six-week lockdown will start in Northern Ireland on Boxing Day Credit: Brian Lawless/PA

– What about restrictions in Scotland?

Mainland Scotland entered Level 4 restrictions from Saturday, with the Scottish Government intending the increased measures to last for three weeks.

Non-essential shops, pubs and restaurants have to shut except for takeaways, while only essential travel is allowed.

– And have the rules changed in Wales?

Tough new restrictions that were eased in Wales for Christmas Day were re-imposed on Saturday.

Non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms and leisure centres have been forced to close, with people told to stay at home and only permitted to travel for “essential reasons”.