More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Thousands who were looking forward to festive shows in London are set to be disappointed as the capital moves into Tier 3.
Whether it's a shopping trip to Oxford Street, a show at the West End or ice skating at Hampton Court, trips to the capital form a huge part of the festivities for thousands across Kent.
But the government has announced London will move from "Tier 2: high alert" to "Tier 3: very high alert" on Wednesday.
Under Tier 3 - the UK's most stringent coronavirus restrictions - indoor entertainment venues including cinemas, theatres and concert halls must close.
Kent has been in Tier 3 since the end of the second national lockdown - with theatres such as The Marlowe in Canterbury forced to postpone popular pantomimes and Christmas shows as they remain shut.
But many have been pinning their hopes on restrictions being eased in Kent when local tiers are reviewed on December 16 - and have already booked tickets for festive trips to London, which has been in Tier 2 since December 2.
Indoor entertainment venues in the capital will close from Wednesday - meaning those looking forward to enjoying carols at the Royal Albert Hall, or plays and pantomimes at the capital's many theatres are likely to be disappointed.
A number of outdoor venues such as outdoor cinemas and funfairs are allowed to stay open under Tier 3 rules, along with non-essential shops.
But those in Tier 3 areas should "avoid travelling outside your area and reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible".
Meanwhile, travel guidance also says people should avoid travelling into, or out of a Tier 3 alert level area, other than where necessary.
And with infection rates remaining high across Kent, the county's hopes of being moved into a lower tier in two days' time are looking slim.
So while travel to London is not banned, it will be strongly advised against from Wednesday, for all but essential reasons such as for work, education or medical appointments.
During the Christmas period itself different rules on travel will apply, as three households will be able to meet indoors for five days from Wednesday, December 23 to Sunday, December 27.
