In trade, coronavirus, lockdown, advice

On Saturday 31st October, at 00:01am, Staffordshire will enter the High COVID alert level (Tier 2), putting the whole county, including Stoke-on-Trent, at the same level.

Here is everything you need to know about what you can and can't do under the Tier 2 rules.

Read on for details of which tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses are open, rules on households mixing and travelling to Staffordshire, and advice on staying overnight.

Attractions and other venues are open

Our attractions, pubs, restaurants, shops and other venues will remain open (with some exceptions - check with individual businesses before you travel).

You can still visit Staffordshire and enjoy our theme parks, animal attractions, heritage buildings, gardens, and places to eat.

Businesses selling food to be consumed on the premises must close between 10pm and 5am, and are required to take your contact details to help with the national Test and Trace programme.

There are many events planned for Halloween this weekend, and for the run-up to Christmas - find out more about them on our Whats On page.

New rules on households mixing

Different households are still allowed to meet, but only in outdoor settings, and in groups of no more than six.

You are not permitted to meet with other households indoors, for example in pubs and restaurants, or attractions like museums, historic houses, or water parks.

The only exception is for households you are in a support bubble with. A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another, for example for childcare.

You are still allowed to mix indoors with someone in your support bubble.

Travelling to Staffordshire

The Tier 2 rules allow you to travel to Staffordshire, unless you live in a Tier 3 area, in which case you should postpone your visit and remain in your area.

Travelling by car is recommended, but you should avoid sharing a car with someone outside our household or support bubble, unless you can socially distance.

If you are using public transport, you must wear a face covering, and are advised to avoid busy times and routes.

Staying overnight

You are still allowed to stay overnight in Staffordshire, provided you are not travelling from a Tier 3 area.

However, you must only do this with members of your household or support bubble.

Our Accommodation section has everything you need to know about places to stay in Staffordshire, including hotels, bed and breakfasts and self catering accommodation.

Hands - Face - Space

In all parts of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, as in the rest of England, you must follow the rules on hand washing, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing.

Wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering indoors, and stay at least two metres away from anyone you don't live with, or are in a support bubble with.

If you are showing symptoms of Coronavirus, we ask you to postpone your trip, and go for a test at a local centre.

Information on the symptoms of Coronavirus is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Enjoy Staffordshire Safely

Our tourism and hospitality businesses need your support through this difficult time, so we ask you to continue to visit, stick to public health guidelines, and #EnjoyStaffsSafely.

Further details on planning your visit to Staffordshire are available at our Know Before You Go page.

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