CHESHIRE West and Chester has been placed into Tier 4 – the toughest of the Government's Covid-19 restrictions.

The decision, which comes just days after the borough had been moved up into Tier 3, was confirmed by health secretary Matt Hancock this afternoon (December 30).

The toughest tier of measures will come into force from tomorrow (December 31).

Mr Hancock said the NHS is under "significant pressure" due to the virus and difficult decisions had to be taken.

He said: “Sharply rising cases and the hospitalisations that follow demonstrate the need to act where the virus is spreading.”

The health secretary told MPs that the majority of new cases recorded yesterday “are believed to be the new variant”.

Mr Hancock added: “Unfortunately, this new variant is now spreading across most of England and cases are doubling fast.

“It is therefore necessary to apply Tier 4 measures to a wider area, including the remaining parts of the South East, as well as large parts of the Midlands, the North West, the North East and the South West.”

In Tier 4 (Stay at home) measures, no household mixing is allowed, though one person can meet one other person outside in a public space, while all non-essential shops and businesses must close, including personal care and indoor entertainment.

Nobody can enter or leave Tier 4 areas and residents must not stay overnight away from home.