The North East is expected to remain under Tier 3 lockdown restrictions at least until January, Health Ministers have revealed.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Thursday that a review of the new lockdown rules will take place by December 16, raising hopes that the tough restrictions imposed on the North East could soon be relaxed.
But in a conference call with North East MPs, Health Minister Helen Whately said that the North East was expected to remain in Tier 3 until after the new year.
North Durham MP Kevan Jones, who was on the call, said: "The way they have treated the North East is shocking. The data shows our case rates have fallen significantly over the past seven days."
Mr Jones said: "The more outrageous issue is there is no new money for businesses.
"This will crash the region's hospitality sector and lead to a large number of job losses.
"Their response has been completely shambolic, and they have no understanding of the damage this is going to do to the nation's poorest region."
The new lockdown rules come into effect once the current national lockdown ends on December 2.
The key rules facing the region under Tier 3 include:
- You must not meet anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
- You must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.
Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed – they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
Local authorities that fall into Tier 3 will be offered support from NHS Test and Trace and the Armed Forces to deliver a six-week rapid community testing programme.
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