THE Government has confirmed that both Cheshire East and West boroughs will move up to Tier 3 for coronavirus restrictions following Christmas.

Both boroughs, along with Warrington, had been in Tier 2 for Covid rules since the second national lockdown ended on December 2.

But infection rates have risen in all three boroughs – with Cheshire West council leader Cllr Louise Gittins previously warning that the rules in Cheshire could soon be tightened.

And that is exactly what was confirmed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock at a briefing this afternoon, December 23.

He said: “We all know that 2020 has been a hard year and it’s ending in this festive period which is going to be very different.

“After all the efforts we have got through to control this virus, just as we’ve got a tiered system in place that was able to control it, we discovered a new more contagious variant that is spreading at a dangerous rate.

“I know that these actions have consequences. I know how difficult it is. But I also know that it is right to take the actions that are necessary to control the virus.”

Mr Hancock added it is 'absolutely vital' to act now due to rising hospitalisations and deaths from coronavirus.

Both Cheshire East and West boroughs will move up to Tier 3 on at 12.01am on Boxing Day, December 26.

It comes as infection rates now stand at 212.2 per 100,000 people in Cheshire West and 175.2 per 100,000 people in Cheshire East.

Two weeks earlier, the rates stood at 97.4 per 100,000 people in Cheshire West and 108.8 per 100,000 people in Cheshire East.

The current plans for Christmas Day will not change – meaning up to three households can still mix on that day only.

But Mr Hancock reminded the public to minimise social contact 'as much as possible' this Christmas.