Image by Jack Finnigan

London Casinos Locked Down Under Tier 3 Restrictions

Article by : Helen Dec 30, 2020

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A new strain of COVID-19 is causing a spike in regional cases in southern England; it also triggered a shutdown of all London-area casinos. Local health officials have elevated to Tier 3 the pandemic status in about 60 locales in and around London, which is forcing the newly implemented casino shutdown.

An apparently mutated strain of the COVID-19 virus is making its way through the greater London area. UK health officials say the new strain has impacted dozens of locales, and UK researchers are working with the World Health Organization to study the situation.

UK health officials say no indications are suggesting the new strain of COVID-19 is worse, or that newly developed vaccines will be ineffective, but the new strain is causing a spike in cases. The outbreak caused by the mutated strain of COVID-19 is mostly located in southern England, which prompted local units to declare the Tier 3 lockdown.

The UK recently implemented a three-tiered system for handling the lockdown at local and regional levels. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach to locking down the national economy, the new system enables more localized efforts while enabling more stable locales to remain relatively open. The tiered system is in place until at least Feb. 2 and could extend further if UK officials deem it necessary.

London just entered Tier 3, which is a “very high alert” that closes all casinos, cancels public events, and puts a halt to most people’s travels. Tier 3 restrictions virtually shut down the entire local economy, including casinos, restaurants, and bars. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and similar critically important businesses are among the few still open and then only under strong restrictions. The restrictions could stay in place until Feb. 2, but Parliament could extend the tier system beyond that date.

Tier 1 is a “medium alert” that limits socializing to groups of no more than six people and requires Casinos and other businesses to close by 11 p.m. Indoor venues can have no more than 1,000 patrons or half capacity with whichever ensures the fewest patrons applying. Outdoor venues can have no more than the lesser of 4,000 people or 50 percent capacity. Those residing in Tier 1 areas are advised to avoid Tier 3 locales but allowed to travel through them.

Tier 2 is a “high alert” that imposes stronger restrictions while enabling casinos and similar entertainment and hospitality venues. Mostly, it reduces outdoor attending to the lesser of 2,000 or 50 percent capacity while observing the six-person socializing maximum. Under Tier 2, people can go to a bar and have a drink – but only if they also order a “substantial” meal. People cannot socialize with strangers or anyone else who is not part of their households or “support bubbles.”

The tiered restrictions essentially go with those who live inside the more restrictive ones. People living in a Tier 2 zone must continue abiding Tier 2 protocols even while visiting an area under Tier 1 restrictions. Those in Tier 3 areas are mostly stuck staying at home unless they work in a critical industry.

Critics say the three-tiered system is not based on science and will cause more economic harm than good. Many say it especially harms the hospitality industry and has caused most businesses to release more than half of their respective workforces. UK casinos had reopened on Dec. 2 after shutting down in August and suffering large revenue losses. Virtually all agree the matter likely will be resolved soon with the manufacture and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.