WARRINGTON South MP Andy Carter says the criteria for reducing tier levels should be set out.

Warrington is likely to move into the most severe tier 3 next week after Warrington Borough Council and the Government agreed a deal this morning, Friday.

The restrictions will be in place for 28 days before they are reviewed.

Mr Carter said a move to the very high risk tier was inevitable as infection rates for coronavirus remain high in the town.

He added: “Having sat down with the Health Minister yesterday to go through the data, this decision was inevitable as cases have continued to rise across the town.

"The weekly case rate is 341 per 100,000 population. More worryingly is the 195 per 100,000 in over 60s, approximately twice the level of the national average. This equates to 717 cases in a seven-day period with test positivity currently at around 12 per cent.

“With infections being wide spread in the community the impact on care workers and our local NHS is also being felt, ward staffing levels at the hospital are under pressure because staff have to self-isolate too.

“These further restrictions are designed to bring infections back under control, they’ll be reviewed in 28 days and I will push for them to be lifted as soon as infections come down. I’ve previously asked the Prime Minister to set out the criteria for reducing tier levels. It’s not just related to infection rates but also hospital admissions and capability of our local NHS to cope.

“I was pleased to see the Chancellor announce a number of measures yesterday that will support businesses across Warrington that will have to close, particularly in the hospitality sector.

"This includes cash grants of up to £3,000 per month for those that have to close.

"There is also support for businesses who are affected but not required to close. Warrington Borough Council is also set to receive £4.2m in Government funding to help to support local businesses with these measures.”