NEW lockdown restrictions are set to be announced - with changes expected for much of the North-East and North Yorkshire.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to unveil a range of new measures as Covid-19 cases continue to sharply rise in England.
This includes a new system for local lockdowns and a potential announcement that much of the hospitality sector could be forced to shut in hardest-hit areas.
READ MORE: Boris to announce new Covid rules for the North-East and North Yorkshire
We've put together a list of what the PM is expected to announce today and what we know so far.
The latest on the new "three-tier" system
The PM is expected to later today unveil the Government's new "three-tier" system, which is hoped will simplify lockdown rules across England.
There will be three set of lockdown rules, designed to replace the current system where local lockdown rules vary by council area.
Under the system, different parts of the country will be split up into “medium”, “high” or “very high” local coronavirus alert areas.
Tier 1 restrictions are thought to be the baseline restrictions in place across England, including a 10pm hospitality curfew and a ban on most gatherings of more than six people.
Tier 2 restrictions are expected to be similar to rules currently in place in Middlesbrough and parts of the North-East, where indoor mixing of households is not allowed.
Two households may be allowed to meet in a private garden, as long as the rule of six and social distancing are followed.
Tier 3 restrictions are the most stringent and the closest to the full lockdown we had in March.
READ MORE: Travelling outside of the North-East after Boris announcement
It is understood that these areas could see pubs and bars, betting shops, casinos, and gyms close.
There are also reports that people will have to avoid all non-essential travel and to not travel between areas.
It is not yet clear how an area will be placed into a tier, or to what extent regulations will be written and enforced locally.
But according to the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, these restrictions are expected to last for four weeks at a time.
It is possible that areas not currently under local lockdown-style restrictions could see tighter new rules after the three-tier system is introduced.
How could it affect the North-East
Although the details involving what areas will be placed under the most stringest of restrictions, based on weekly Covid-19 infection rates we can identify what areas are likely to see tougher rules.
Latest data, based on Public Health England figures for England published on October 11, shows that Newcastle is likely to be placed under the strictest tier of restrictions with 509.5 cases per 100,000 population.
These are the Covid-19 rates for the region:
The number of cases per 100,000 population is based on the rate of new cases in the past seven days to October 8 - the number of new cases is over the past seven days.
Newcastle upon Tyne 509.5 cases per 100,000 population - 1543 new cases
Stockton-on-Tees 293.9 cases per 100,000 population - 580 new cases
Middlesbrough 285.9 cases per 100,000 population - 403 new cases
Sunderland 284.5 cases per 100,000 population - 790 new cases
County Durham 275.0 cases per 100,000 population - 1458 new cases
North Tyneside 274.6 cases per 100,000 population - 571 new cases
South Tyneside 251.0 cases per 100,000 population - 379 new cases
Gateshead 246.0 cases per 100,000 population - 497 new cases
Hartlepool 243.4 cases per 100,000 population - 228 new cases
Redcar and Cleveland 191.8 cases per 100,000 population - 263 new cases
Northumberland 184.5 cases per 100,000 population - 595 new cases
Darlington 182.6 cases per 100,000 population - 195 new cases
Hambleton 113.5 cases per 100,000 population - 104 new cases
Richmondshire 87.5 cases per 100,000 population - 47 new cases
What will it replace?
In the North-East, County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, Northumberland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool share the same set of lockdown restrictions.
This includes a ban on households mixing with other households in 'any' indoor setting including pubs and restaurants, in private homes and outdoors in private gardens - unless in a support bubble.
Pubs, restaurants and bars were also told to shut at 10pm, before the national Covid curfew on the hospitality sector was rolled out across England towards the end of September.
How long could they last?
Today, the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said that tough new coronavirus restrictions may be needed until after the Christmas period.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Dowden said: “If those measures are successful we hope to be able to take areas out of those high levels of restrictions.
“The purpose of doing this is to ensure we get the virus under control so by the time that we get through to after Christmas we are in that position where it is under control.
“Indeed I hope it will be sooner than that.”
When do the rules come in?
The new restrictions are expected to come into force on Wednesday, with the North-East areas affected expected to be told which 'tier' each area falls into.
Based on previous lockdown-style restrictions, the measures are brought in at 1 minute past midnight on the day they are planned.
What Downing Street has said
The Prime Minister will hold a press conference in Downing Street with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty this evening.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson announcement: Here's when the PM is set to address the nation
A spokesperson for Downing Street said: “Our primary focus has always been to protect lives and livelihoods while controlling the spread of the virus and these measures will help achieve that aim.
“We must do everything we can to protect the NHS and make sure it can continue to deliver the essential services that so many people rely on.
“This is a critical juncture and it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the clear guidance we have set out to help contain the virus.”
Number 10 stressed the extent of discussions with local leaders over the weekend following criticism from some Northern authorities and mayors that not enough consultation had taken place since the Covid crisis began.
What has the reaction been?
Sir Keir Starmer said areas with high coronavirus rates had been treated with “contempt” by Boris Johnson’s Government.
The Labour leader told LBC Radio: “The Government has been treating local communities, particularly in the Midlands, North West and North-East – and their leaders – with contempt, that Whitehall knows best and we will simply tell you what’s coming your way.
“It’s just not good enough, you have to take people with you on this, listen to what local leaders are saying.”
Sir Keir said he wanted Mr Johnson to set out how he will get the NHS Test and Trace system to operate properly and explain how areas which are subjected to local restrictions are able to get out of those measures.
“The tier system is the first part of what we need to hear from the Prime Minister, but there’s a lot more than that we need to hear this afternoon,” he said.
- Throughout today, The Northern Echo will be bringing you live coverage and reaction of the new announcement as it happens.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel