Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis explains why Tier 3 decision was made

City leaders and health experts were in talks with Downing Street over the move into Tier 3 since the beginning of last week.

However the infection rate in Sheffield was falling, including among the student populations.

This caused many to question whether the higher restrictions were necessary, with the impact they would have on the economy and the impact on local businesses forced to close in Tier 3.

The mayor has defended the decision.

Mr Jarvis explained: “We have had to strike a very careful balance between the health of our people, of our economy and of our NHS this winter. There was an urgent and compelling need to take action – we simply didn’t have the luxury of delay. But we are working around the clock to minimise the impact on our businesses and our economy.

“The brutal reality driving our decisions is the sheer number of cases in South Yorkshire. While there have been signs of a levelling off in Sheffield, numbers continue to rise in Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, and we’re seeing transmission from younger to older people. Hospitalisations are increasing at an alarming rate, and faster than in other regions.

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“I don’t want the residents and businesses of South Yorkshire to endure Tier 3 restrictions for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary. The way to come out of them at the earliest opportunity is to have fewer positive cases and a drop in the number of people in hospital with Covid.

"Efforts are being stepped up to get the virus under control by increasing our testing and tracing capacity locally, so those who have symptoms can get tested, and so we can trace the contacts of anyone who has the virus.

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“Meanwhile, we are working at pace to get the £30m support package to businesses who need it. I’m acutely aware of the economic hardship the restrictions are causing.

“But it’s only by doing the right thing that we can come out of Tier 3. We need people across South Yorkshire to follow the guidance not just for themselves, but for family, friends, neighbours and community.”