England Announces Post-Lockdown Tier System With London Cinemas Able to Reopen

England has announced a return to the three-tier system after lockdown lifts Dec. 2. Much of the nation, including the capital region of London and Liverpool is in Tier 2, which means that cinemas can reopen.

However, other major urban areas with a high concentration of cinemas, including Greater Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol are in Tier 3, the highest alert level, which means movie theaters there will have to remain shuttered.

It’s still unclear whether major chains such as Cineworld, Vue and Odeon will reopen. It’s unlikely that Cineworld will reopen any sites in 2020 without a pipeline of new releases, and it’s believed that Vue may also keep its venues shut.

“We must remain vigilant,” said Health Secretary Matt Hancock, addressing parliament on Thursday. “There are still today, 16,570 people in hospital with coronavirus across the U.K. and 696 deaths were reported yesterday. That means 696 more families mourning the loss of a loved one and the house mourns with them. So as tempting as it may be, we cannot simply flick a switch and try to return life straight back to normal.”

Hancock said that those who can work from home should continue doing so. In Tier 2, while pubs can now reopen, alcohol will only be served along with a “substantial meal.”

“I know that people want certainty about the rules they need to follow in their area,” Hancock said. “These decisions are not easy, but they are necessary. We’ve listened to local experts and been guided by the best public health advice.”

The current measures will be reviewed on Dec. 16.

The Isle of Wight, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are the only areas of England in Tier 1. The devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own sets of restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a press conference later on Thursday.