Everything you need to know as Sheffield and South Yorkshire stay in Tier 3

Matt Hancock said there will be no changes in majority Tier 3 areas

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons on Thursday (December 17) that the harshest restrictions were necessary to alleviate pressure on the NHS.

He said this despite many Tier 3 areas in England having recorded a fall in their infection rates and expecting to have their tier lowered, especially ahead of Christmas.

Mr Hancock said: "No one wants tougher restrictions any longer than necessary. But where they are necessary, we must put them in place to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed and protect lives.

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"We have seen cases fall in large parts of England and I know that many places in Tier 3 have seen their rates reduced in most places.

"But we are not quite there yet and the pressure on the NHS remains.

"For the vast majority of places which are currently in Tier 3, we are not making the change today."

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He also said it was necessary to apply Tier 3 restrictions “across a much wider area” of the East and Southeast of England, as cases have increased in the past week.

However, three areas in England managed to move down a tier as they met all the five requirements as outlined by the Government.

They are Bristol and North Somerset (from Tier 3 to Tier 2) and Herefordshire (Tier 2 to Tier 1).

But Mr Hancock reminded people in those areas to remain cautious and play their parts in keeping the virus under control.

These changes will take effect from one minute past midnight this Saturday morning, December 19.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.