PRIME Minister Boris Johnson will confirm later this week which tier of restrictions Cheshire West and Chester will fall into after announcing that the second national lockdown will officially end on December 2.

Mr Johnson has warned that more regions are likely to be temporarily moved into higher levels than before.

The borough was placed in Tier 2 prior to the current national lockdown coming into force earlier this month.

The Prime Minister has also confirmed that the Government is working on a time-limited Christmas dispensation with the devolved administrations.

Updating the House of Commons today, Mr Johnson said: "Later this week, I should say we will announce which areas will fall into which tier, I hope on Thursday."

"I’m sorry to say we expect that more regions will fall at least temporarily into higher levels than before but by using these tougher tiers and by using rapid turnaround tests on an ever greater scale to drive R below one and keep it there, it should be possible for areas to move down the (tier) scale to lower levels of restrictions."

Outlining the tiers, he said: "So the scientific advice, I’m afraid, is that as we come out our tiers need to be made tougher. In particular, in Tier 1 people should work from home wherever possible.

"In Tier 2, alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal. In Tier 3, indoor entertainment, hotels and other accommodation will have to close, along with all forms of hospitality except for delivery and takeaways.

"Unlike the previous arrangements, tiers will now be a uniform set of rules. We won’t have negotiations on additional measures with each region, it’s a uniform set of rules. We’ve learnt from experience that there are some things we can do differently.

"So from the 10pm closing time, we’re going to change so that it is last orders at 10 with closing at 11. In tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.

"We’ll also strengthen the enforcement ability of local authorities, including specially trained officers and new powers to close down premises that pose a risk to public health."

With regards to families being able to meet up at Christmas, Mr Johnson said: "I can’t say that Christmas will be normal this year, but in a period of adversity time spent with loved ones is even more precious for people of all faiths and none.

"We all want some kind of Christmas, we need it, we certainly feel we deserve it. But what we don’t want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again, forcing us all back into lockdown in January.

"So to allow families to come together, while minimising the risk, we’re working with the devolved administrations on a special time-limited Christmas dispensation, embracing the whole of the United Kingdom."