Preston and Lancashire will move into tier-4 coronavirus restrictions.

Health secretary Matt Hancock announced the upgrading of the measures for the county during a statement to the House of Commons on Wednesday (30 December) afternoon.

Tier-4 restrictions see a stay at home order issued. See the full tier-4 restrictions.

This means you must not be outside of your home or garden except for where you have a ‘reasonable excuse’ – such as work or education.

Non-essential shops must also close.

You can only meet one person from another household outdoors, and travel outside of the area is not advised.

The tier-4 restrictions begin from 00.01 on Thursday (31 December) in Preston and all of Lancashire.

Read more: Preston City Council leader reacts to tier-4 decision

Mr Hancock said: “21,000 people in hospital with coronavirus right now. The threat to life from this virus is real, and the pressures on the NHS is real too.

“Cases are doubling fast. So we must take action.

“This has got a whole lot harder because of the new variant.

“And I know that Tier 3 and 4 measures place a significant burden on people, and especially on businesses affected, but I am afraid it is absolutely necessary because of the number of cases that we’ve seen.

See the latest coronavirus cases and information near you

Three-quarters of the population of England will be in tier-4 measures.

Preston’s latest coronavirus infection rate is 206.8 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to December 25. The infection rate is below the average for England.

Reaction from public health chief for Lancashire

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health for Lancashire, said: “We are at a critical point in this pandemic and I would urge everyone to play their part to stop the spread.

“The restrictions in tier 4 will mean even more disruption to people’s lives, and I know that this decision will bring hardship to many.

“However it is vital we get the virus under control and bring down the number of people being infected and having to be admitted to hospital.

“Tragically we are still seeing many people lose their lives as a result of this virus.

“There is hope. Already hundreds of people in Lancashire have been vaccinated, and today’s announcement about another type of vaccine is very welcome.

“I would really urge people to stick to the rules. Everyone can minimise their chances of catching Covid 19, including the new strain, by fully sticking to the guidance.

“Please follow the simple advice of washing your hands, wearing a face mask and keeping a safe space between yourself and other people.”

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