Preston’s latest Covid-19 cases have been confirmed as the city learned its fate in the new ‘toughened’ tier system.

The city saw 32 new Covid-19 confirmed cases during Thursday (26 November).

South Ribble saw 44 new cases on the same day.

Wyre had just 15 new cases, Fylde 22 and Ribble Valley 24.

See the latest coronavirus cases and information near you

During Thursday morning the government outlined which tier Lancashire would be in.

Calls for Preston to be in tier-2, or the county to be split into a mix of tier-2 or tier-3, were ignored by the government.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the case rates in over-60s in Lancashire were still too high in six lower tier local authorities in the county.

Read more: Preston and Lancashire still hasn’t received the first round of additional tier-3 cash from the government

Prime Minister outlines how to get out of tier-3

Boris Johnson addressed the nation during Thursday afternoon to go through the tier system.

He pointed to the mass community testing work done in Liverpool in the past fortnight, the city region has been placed in tier-2, as a way to control the virus.

The Prime Minister pledged for the rapid flow testing to be ramped up in Lancashire, and other tier-3 areas, to try and bring the infection rates down.

You can watch the Prime Minister’s press conference below

What does tier-3 mean?

The new restrictions will come into place from 00.01 on Wednesday (2 December).

Household mixing indoors remains banned, apart from where a support bubble has been established.

However the rule of six returns for outdoor public spaces such as parks, beaches and in the countryside. Private gardens are not counted as outdoor spaces.

Hospitality businesses must stay closed under tier-3 restrictions, along with many entertainment venues.

Read more: See the full tier-3 restrictions coming into force from December 2

Anger from political leaders

The leaders of both Preston City Council and South Ribble Borough Council have both expressed their disappointment and frustration at the government’s decision.

Leader of Preston City Council councillor Matthew Brown said: “We are disappointed to have been placed in Tier 3 and worry about the continued affect this will have on our residents and struggling businesses, both in the city and across the region.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

What do you think about the tier-3 decision? Let us know your views in the comments below