THE North-East will continue under the strictest tier of coronavirus measures for the Christmas period, it has been confirmed.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants are set to remain shut across the entire region after the Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed no changes for our region.

The Northern Echo previously reported that a move to Tier 2 was "unlikely" following concerns Covid case numbers could rise as rules are relaxed for the festive period.

SEE MORE: North-East 'likely' to remain under Tier 3 as restrictions relaxed over Christmas

But this morning in the House of Commons, Mr Hancock said we "must not blow" the chance to reduce Covid cases as we head into the Christmas period.

He said: “As we enter the coldest months we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control.

“Yesterday 25,161 cases were reported and there are 18,038 people in hospital with coronavirus in the UK. We must keep suppressing this virus.

“And this isn’t just a matter for Government or for this House, it is a matter for every single person and these are always the most difficult months for people’s health and for the NHS.

“And especially with the vaccine already here, we must be cautious as we accelerate the vaccine deployment as per The Winter Plan.

“We’ve come so far, we mustn’t blow it now.”

Announcing just a handful of changes to tier allocations, Mr Hancock said the "vast majority" of places under Tier 3 would stay under strict measures for Christmas.

He confirmed that Bristol and North Somerset would be coming out of Tier 3 and into Tier 2 - while he said Herefordshire would come out of Tier 2 and into Tier 1.

There were no further changes announced in the north confirming the entire region would be staying where it has been since the national lockdown ended on December 2.

After confirming the minor changes, Mr Hancock urged people to take “personal responsibility” in keeping the pandemic under control.

He told the Commons: “It’s so vital that everyone sticks at it and does the right thing, especially over this Christmas period.

“It’s important to remember that this can be a silent disease. One in three people who have the disease has no symptoms but can still pass it on.

“Everyone, therefore, has a personal responsibility to play their part in keeping this pandemic under control," he added.

Call for how the North-East will move out of Tier 3 in New Year

In a joint-statement, the leaders of the seven local authorities in the north of the region said they accept today's decision on "public health grounds" but warned they needed to know how the region would move out of Tier 3 in the New Year.

In a statement - representing County Durham, Gateshead, Sunderland, Newcastle, Northumberland, North and South Tyneside, they said they will continue to press the Government for fair decisions on the tier system.

They said: "Today the government has made the decision to keep the North East under the very high Tier 3 restrictions.

"While we accept this decision on public health grounds, we still need a greater understanding of how moving out of Tier 3 will be determined in the New Year.

"We will continue to press government for fair decisions and the right level of economic support – especially for the hospitality sector which has been so heavily impacted by the restrictions.

"We will also work with ministers on how best to deploy targeted community testing to open up our economy, while seeking localisation of the national test and trace programme."

'Lots will be disappointed by this decision'

The Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said understood the "frustration" felt by residents across the region as he confirmed the decision had been based on advice from Public Health England and scientific advisers.

He said “Lots of businesses across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool will be disappointed at this decision, but advice from Public Health England and scientific advisers have strongly recommended that we stay in Tier 3.

"I understand the frustration felt by many people, especially business owners, at the continued restrictions, but throughout the coronavirus pandemic local people have pulled together like never before and I have been heartened by the outpouring of community spirt that has been on display every day across every community.

“As we head into Christmas it is important that local people continue to follow the rules so that we can drive down the virus further and a critical part of this is still regular hand washing, wearing a mask and maintain social distancing."

Mr Houchen added: “We have made great strides driving down infection rates across the region from where they were at the peak of the pandemic and with the wider rollout of the vaccine not too far away it is important that we do not risk the progress we have made.

More to follow...