MP says covid hospitalisations have "doubled" as South Yorkshire set to enter tier three lockdown

Following Wednesday’s announcement that South Yorkshire will enter a tier three lockdown this weekend, MP Stephanie Peacock said: “I know the news that Barnsley is moving into Tier 3 will be concerning to many.

"People are understandably worried about the health of their loved ones, their jobs, loneliness and missing out on time with the people they care about.

"But, numbers of COVID-19 patients in our hospitals have doubled over the last 10 days. So it’s important action is taken.

"Thank you to the frontline NHS staff and carers who are working day and night. And thank you to everyone who is following the guidance ahead of what is going to be one of the most difficult winters our NHS has ever faced.”

Barnsley, as well as the rest of South Yorkshire, is to move into the very high category under the government's new Coronavirus tier system.

The restrictions will come into force from one minute past midnight on Saturday October 24 and cover all four local authority areas in South Yorkshire – Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

These stricter lockdown measures are due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases in the borough - Barnsley currently has 415 cases per 100,000 population, the highest in South Yorkshire.

The average area in England has 102.

Under Tier 3 restrictions, pubs and bars that do not serve “substantial meals” must close, as will soft play centres, casinos and adult play centres.

Exercise classes at gyms are not allowed under the restrictions.