PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has claimed the country will "pay for it" in the new year if it "blows it" over Christmas.

The country will see a return to tiered coronavirus restrictions until the end of March 2021 after the national lockdown ends on December 2, with many places within England expecting to be placed in a higher tier than what they originally entered the lockdown in.

The Prime Minister said the new tiers would be tougher than what has been previously experienced after the Government's scientific advisers said the previous regime did not do enough to tackle the virus.

Boris Johnson said: "I think the trouble is that the people of this country can see that there is a real risk that if we blow it at Christmas with a big blowout Christmas, then we'll pay for it in the new year, and they want a cautious and balanced approach and that's what we will deliver for the whole UK."

The Prime Minister remains cautious about the upcoming months.

He said: "When we come out of lockdown next week we must not just throw away the gains we all made." Information about the tiers has revealed a number of changes to the system.

In Tier 1, the rule of six if meeting indoors or outdoors will apply.

People will also be encouraged to work from home if they can.

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

And those who are in Tier 3 will see that pubs and restaurants will only be able to offer takeaway and delivery services, while indoor entertainment, hotels and other accommodation will close.

The previous 10pm curfew will be relaxed, with last orders now closed at that time, allowing people to finish off their drinks and meals and for the premises to now shut at 11pm.

Mr Johnson said: “From next Wednesday people will be able to leave their home for any purpose and meet others in outdoor public spaces, subject to the rule of six, collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume, and shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector can reopen.

“But without sensible precautions, we would risk the virus escalating into a winter or New Year surge.”

Addressing peoples desire for a normal Christmas period to take place, Mr Johnson said: "I know that many of us want and need Christmas with our families and we feel after this year we deserve it but this is not the moment to let the virus rip for the sake of Christmas parties.

"It is the season to be jolly but it’s also the season to be jolly careful, especially with elderly relatives."

He also revealed that there are no plans to close schools a week early to allow children to visit elderly relatives safely over Christmas.

He said: “We believe education is of huge importance, we want to keep kids in school as much as we can.”