Devon remains in Tier 2 for Christmas

Coronavirus restrictions remain unchanged in Devon following the government's review of the national tier system. 

Based on the county's circumstances - including case numbers, their demographic, pressure on NHS services - the whole of Devon will remain in Tier 2 over the Christmas period, to be reviewed again on December 30 and then every two weeks after.

While cases in the county had been falling during the second lockdown, numbers have begun to rise in recent days, with the infection rate for Devon now back to 86.1 per 100,000, although it varies significantly across the county with East Devon, Exeter and North Devon over the 100 per 100,000 mark, while the South Hams are at 29.9.

The announcement was made in the House of Commons today by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

This means:

- No household mixing indoors (except in private households over the relaxed five-day Christmas period)

- Rule of six applies outdoors

- Pubs and restaurants to shut at 11pm

- Alcohol only served as part of a substantial meal

- Spectators allowed at sports events and live performances, in limited numbers

- Personal care, including hairdressing allowed

Devon County Council leader John Hart chairs the county's multi-agency Local Outbreak Engagement Board.

He said: "I'm afraid this is the right decision because of the number of positive cases in Devon right now - especially among our older residents - and the huge pressure on our NHS services.

"But if we are to accept these restrictions continuing into the New Year, the government must act swiftly with more support for local businesses.

"When we went into Tier 2, I called for action and I am renewing that call today.

"Every day I am hearing from businesses which are being severely affected and many of our local hospitality companies are on their knees. The government must do more to help them survive otherwise many of these companies - which are the lifeblood of Devon's economy - won't be here in the New Year."

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon (Designate), added: "We had been seeing our case numbers falling due to the recent national lock down, but that fall has slowed and has now levelled off since we adopted Tier 2 restrictions.

"I do not believe that we are ready yet to relax our restrictions to the lower tier, especially as we head into Christmas, and the likelihood - although I would advise people think really hard about doing so - of families and friends meeting up in Christmas bubble arrangements."