This is what Tier 2 restrictions will mean for Harrogate after national lockdown lifts

The tougher three-tiered system will come into force for regions across England on December 2 - with most areas facing the same level of restrictions as Harrogate.

The new system will remain in place until the end of March, however, there will be reviews every two weeks which means tiers could be changed - with the first coming on December 16.

What do the current Tier 2 restrictions mean?

Tier 2 is the 'high' alert level out of the three levels.

Under the restrictions, all businesses and venues - including non-essential retailers that were forced to close in the national lockdown - can continue to operate.

Schools, universities and nurseries will also all remain open. However, people who can work from home are still urged to do so.

The 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants has been changed so that last orders are at 10pm and the venue has to close at 11pm. This is understood to have been done in a bid to allow customers to leave in a staggered way.

The government said people should be looking to reduce the number of non-essential journeys they make and look to cycle or walk wherever they can.

But when using public transport is a must, people are advised to plan their journey in advance to avoid rush hour.

Sports will also be allowed to resume with spectators in Tier 2 - with up to 2,000 fans allowed outdoors and 1,000 indoors.

In addition, gyms and leisure centres will also be allowed to reopen, while outdoor exercise can still go ahead too.

Hairdressers, beauty salons, and other close contact services can also restart.

Cinemas - which were forced to close in the current lockdown - will also reopen, alongside bingo halls, bowling alleys and soft play centres.

Theatres will also be allowed to open to 1,000 people or 50 percent of their overall capacity - whichever is smaller.

In addition, people will continue to be able to attend places of worship, such as churches and mosques.

Harrogate and the rest of North Yorkshire will be the only areas in Yorkshire and the North East to come under Tier 2 restrictions. All other cities, towns and villages in the regions are facing the toughest Tier 3 controls.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter