ON December 16, the Government reviewed the tier system that was introduced in England after a strict four-week lockdown.
But what time will the statement be released today? Here is everything you’ll need to know…
What time is the tier review announcement today?
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to make his statement at around 11:30 am today.
The announcement will likely be made first in House of Commons before a press conference later in the day.
All updates and changes will come into effect on Saturday (December 19).
What is expected to be revealed?
The Government will reveal which tier each area of England will be in for Christmas.
London and parts of the south-east have already been escalated to Tier 3 after a “sharp rise” in cases.
Mr Hancock said in some areas the doubling time of the number of new cases is as short as seven days, and a new variant of the virus has emerged ripping through the south-east of England.
The Department of Health said the decisions made have been based on a number of factors which includes case detection rates in all age groups. in particular over 60s.
Local leaders in Greater Manchester are hoping to be moved down to tier 2 with mayor Andy Burnham saying he believes the area has a “strong case” to be given lighter restrictions.
“We have been in restrictions coming up for five months and I think we are looking to the Government to give us a bit of hope and reward the good people of Greater Manchester who have followed the restrictions,” he said.
Reports have suggested that the number of people living under the toughest restrictions could increase.
How can I watch the announcement live?
The announcement will be available to stream at the top of this story as well as Trending In The News’s YouTube channel.
The Commons announcement will be aired on the BBC Parliament TV channel.
There will also be coverage on Sky News and BBC News.
It may also be streamed live on the UK Parliament YouTube channel.
