Most of Midlands remain in current Tiers, but restrictions tighten in Peterborough and relaxed in Herefordshire

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed the update to the Tier system in England. More than 38 million people, or 68% of England’s population, will now live under Tier 3 rules – the highest level of restrictions.

Lots of us in the Midlands have been in Tier 3, with places like Birmingham, Leicester and Stoke, having some of the highest COVID-19 rates in the region.

As expected, most of the Midlands will remain in the restrictions that have been in place since the start of December.

Unfortunately for Peterborough, which has a case rate of 278.9 per 100,000, it will be moved into Tier 3. It now has the fourth highest rate in the East Midlands.

However, there is some good news for Herefordshire. The rates have dropped significantly enough which has meant that it goes from Tier 2 to Tier 1 – the lowest level of restrictions.

Rates in Herefordshire have also come down to 45 per 100,000 and are falling. We can therefore bring Herefordshire out of Tier 2 and into Tier 1. I want to pay tribute to everyone who’s been doing the right thing and getting rates down, whether or not your area has down a tier today.

Matt Hancock MP, Health Secretary

These changes for Peterborough and Herefordshire come into force on Saturday 19 December.

Full list of Tiers in the Midlands:

Has your area changed Tiers? Check our list below. Credit: PA

Tier One:

Tier Two:

Tier Three: