Harrogate will move into Tier 3 after today's Government announcement on Covid rules

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The Health Secretary told the Commons that the tough new rules - which deal another blow to businesses as pubs, restaurants and cafes must shut unless for takeaway - will come into effect just after midnight on Thursday morning when almost all areas in England will move up a lockdown level.

Harrogate's infection rate has remained well below the national average since the end of November, however, the district is treated on a county-wide level under the tier system and rising infection levels across North Yorkshire have caused alarm amongst health officials.

Addressing the nation, Mr Hancock said while people should celebrate approval of the Oxford-AstaZeneca vaccine - of which the UK has 100 million doses on order - sharply rising cases and hospitalisations ``demonstrate the need to act where the virus is spreading."

The lockdown changes will mean all of Yorkshire will be under Tier 3 restrictions, with York also joining North Yorkshire in a move up from Tier 2.

What are the rules in Tier 3?

Non-essential shops can open, as well as gyms, hairdressers and other personal care businesses. Places of worship can open and weddings are allowed within local restrictions.

Hospitality venues must close, except for delivery and takeaway service.

Also in Tier 3, hotels and other accommodation providers must close, except for specific work purposes where people cannot return home.

People must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody they do not live with, or who is not in their support bubble - this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues.

At other outdoor spaces such as parks or beaches people must not socialise in groups of more than six.

Everyone who can work from home should do so.

Outdoor sports, including golf and tennis can continue in all tiers, as can amateur team sports such as football. Unlike the first two tiers, spectators cannot watch sport in Tier 3.

You can travel within your area for work, education and care and medical reasons, but should avoid travelling outside your area and reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible.

People in all tiers are advised to stay local, and if you travel, your restrictions follow you. For example, if you live in a Tier 3 area, you must continue to follow Tier 3 rules even when you travel to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area.

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