THE North-East is expected to see whether the strictest tier of restrictions will be imposed this week - but that decision may only apply to CERTAIN areas.

Currently restrictions in the North-East are exactly the same across the entire region, with the most significant rule banning the mixing of other households indoors.

Under the Government's "three-tier" system, the entire region falls into Tier 2 with restrictions reflecting a local covid alert level of High.

But if the region is moved into Tier 3 restrictions, where the local covid alert level would be deemed Very High, new rules may NOT apply to the entire region.

That's because Darlington and Teesside is treated seperately to the rest of the North-East when it comes to how the restrictions are decided.

It means that restrictions in County Durham, Sunderland, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Northumberland could again differ.

Whereas rules in Darlington and Teesside could remain unchanged, staying where they area, and vice versa.

It is understood that the Government treats the region in this way due to its size and because of the number of local authority areas involved.

The region faces its next review of Tier 2 restrictions on Friday and a decision for both the Tees Valley and wider North-East is expected.

Earlier this week, council and authority leaders said covid cases are beginning to "plateau", or fall, in some areas.

It prompted the North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll to say there is "no case" for the Government to impose Tier 3 restrictions in the region.

Meanwhile the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said evidence had shown that covid cases in Darlington and Teesside were flattening.