BREAKING: Rotherham and South Yorkshire to be pushed back into Tier 3 lockdown

South Yorkshire was already placed into Tier 3 - the highest Covid-19 alert level - on October 24, prior to the national lockdown being implemented on November 5 and the area now sees itself earmarked for the highest tier again for at least two weeks.

In statement to the House of Commons this morning, health secretary Matt Hancock said the reason South Yorkshire had been placed into Tier 3, classed as the "very high" alert level, was because even though the area had shown improvement - with case rates falling in all four lower tier local authorities (Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley) - infection rates in all ages, and specifically among those over 60, remained very high - with numbers of 223 and 274 per 100,000 people respectively.

He added that there was also pressure on local NHS trusts.

Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, said the tighter restrictions involved in Tier 3, which includes all pubs and restaurants staying closed, were "slowly suffocating businesses".

He added: "As we exit the national lockdown, the government has once again put South Yorkshire into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions - Tier 3.

"We now need them to work with us and to make sure we do not stay there a moment longer than necessary, so that our business and people get the help they need to get through the pandemic.

“I welcome government plans to review our tier arrangements every two weeks, because every extra day we are under restrictions could be the difference between a business surviving the pandemic or going under.

"We’ve been under tighter restrictions in South Yorkshire since October 24, and they are slowly suffocating businesses, particularly in the hospitality and events sectors. They are now being hit again just as they enter their busiest time of year.

“Any restrictions must come hand in hand with a robust package of economic support to protect livelihoods. There must be no gaps in support for people and businesses affected by COVID-19."

Mr Jarvis said that although restrictions were necessary to protect the health of residents, it was deeply concerning that the government had again excluded mayors and local leaders from the decision-making process around the new tier arrangements.

He said there was a light at the end of the tunnel as the rate of new infections were lowering - and pledged to continue the fight to ensure local people's lives and livelihoods are not restricted by the measures for a moment longer than absolutely necessary.

The next tier review is set to take place on December 16.

The Government will also be launching a major community testing programme, honing in on the areas with the greatest rate of infection. This programme is open to local authorities in tier 3 areas and offers help to get out of the toughest restrictions as fast as possible.

Here is a rundown of the latest Tier 3 restrictions coming into force from December 2:

You cannot meet anyone indoors socially or in most outdoor places who you don't live with or isn't in your support bubble - this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues
You must not socialise in a group of more than six in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility – the 'Rule of 6'.
Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed – but are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
Hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must close. There are several exemptions, such as for those who use these venues as their main residence, and those requiring the venues where it is reasonably necessary for work or education and training
Indoor entertainment and tourist venues must close.
Indoor attractions at mostly outdoor entertainment venues must also close.
Leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes should not go ahead.
There should be no public attendance at spectator sport or indoor performances and large business events should not be taking place. Elite sport events may continue to take place without spectators.
Large outdoor events (performances and shows) should not take place, with the exception of drive-in events.
Places of worship remain open, but you must not attend with or socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies.
Wedding and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend linked commemorative events.
Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place.
You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
Avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey