SUSSEX entered Tier 2 yesterday as weekly coronavirus rates in the county continue to fall.

However, neighbouring Kent now faces the toughest Tier 3 restrictions with some of the highest infection rates in the UK recorded in Swale and Medway.

So, with Christmas fast approaching and many people looking to visit family and friends over the festive period, can you travel from Kent to Sussex?

The Argus: Lorries queueing for the ferry port in DoverLorries queueing for the ferry port in Dover

These are the travel restrictions placed upon people living in Tier 3 areas:

People are allowed to travel within their area for reasons including:

- Travelling to venues that are open

- For work

- For education

- To access voluntary, charitable or youth services

- Because of caring responsibilities

- For moving home

- To visit your support bubble

- To receive medical treatment

"You should avoid travelling outside your area and reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible," the government website states.

"You must not travel if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus symptoms, are sharing a household or support bubble with somebody with symptoms, or have been told to self-isolate after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace."

These are travel restrictions on people in Tier 3 areas looking to travel in or out of their area, such as making a trip from Kent to Sussex:

People are being urged to avoid travelling outside their designated area for day trips and overnight stays, "other than where necessary".

The Argus: Can people from Tier 3 Kent travel to Tier 2 Sussex under new restrictionsCan people from Tier 3 Kent travel to Tier 2 Sussex under new restrictions

Examples of valid reasons for leaving a Tier 3 area given by the government include:

- For work

- For education

- To access voluntary, charitable or youth services

- Because of caring responsibilities

- For moving home

- To visit your support bubble

- For a medical appointment or treatment

"Where necessary, you can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey," the government website states.

"If you live in a Tier 3 area, you must continue to follow Tier 3 rules when you travel to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area.

"You must not stay with anyone you do not live with elsewhere in the UK or visit their home (unless you share a support bubble)."

Rules on people leaving Tier 3 areas for overnight stays:

People in Tier 3 areas should avoid staying overnight outside of their area unless this is for:

- Work

- Education

-  Because of caring responsibilities

- To visit your support bubble

- For moving home

- To access voluntary, charitable or youth services

- For a medical appointment or treatment

"If you live elsewhere, you should avoid staying overnight in a Tier 3 area other than for this type of reason," the government guidance states.

The Argus: The coronavirus testing centre in East Brighton ParkThe coronavirus testing centre in East Brighton Park

"This means you should not leave a Tier 3 alert level area to stay in a second home.

"You must not stay with anyone you do not live with from a Tier 3 alert level area, or visit their home, unless you share a support bubble.

"In a Tier 3, you should avoid travelling outside of your area."