But Johnson said a "time-limited" exception for families to gather for Christmas would be granted, though he warned that "Christmas can not be normal and there's a long road to spring".

As for which specific tiers the different regions would fall under, Johnson said he hopes to be able to confirm by this Thursday, depending on how cases of COVID-19 are falling or rising.

A major vaccine developer announced Monday that its coronavirus vaccine has an average efficacy of 70%, joining two others that reported an efficacy rate of over 90% in late-stage clinical trials.

"We are going to go back.to a regional, tiered approach", he told parliament virtually from his Downing Street office where he is self-isolating.

He warned that it is "not the moment to let the virus rip for the sake of Christmas parties", saying: "Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be jolly careful, especially with elderly relatives". "The NHS has vast experience in delivering widespread vaccination programmes and an enormous amount of work has taken place to ensure we have the logistical expertise, transport and workforce to roll out a vaccine according to clinical priority, at the speed at which it can be manufactured", said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

In a widely trailed announcement, government laid out plans for a revised - and harsher - version of the three-tier restrictions which will be applied to on-trade operators after 2 December, with curbs expected to remain in place until spring 2021.

- People will be able to leave their home for any goal, and socialise with others in outdoor public spaces, subject to the rule of six.

Nevertheless, the preliminary trial results still represent a fresh breakthrough in the fight against a virus that has killed almost 1.4 million people, brought global travel to a standstill and devastated the world's economy. Thirty people will be allowed to attend funerals, but only 15 will be able to attend a wake.

In Tier 2, alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal.

Following criticism of the 10pm hospitality curfew rule that was imposed in England before the current lockdown, from next Wednesday there will be a 10pm cut-off for last orders and a closing time of 11pm.

On 2nd December we are due to come out of a nationwide lockdown, which will then see different local areas put into one of three tiers based on how severe the Covid threat is.

The news yesterday (23 November) that England will return to a three-tier system post lockdown has highlighted the ongoing struggle faced by pubs, bars and restaurants.

Indoor classes and organised adult sport can not take place in Tier 2 or 3 if there is interaction with different households.

"Another key difference is the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, their price points were around $40 or $60 per person".

The Government is working on a time-limited Christmas dispensation with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.