Matt Hancock announces tier changes for England
The Health Secretary tells MPs "We must be vigilant"
Last updated 23rd May 2022
Most of England will remain under the toughest two tiers of Covid restrictions following the recent review.
The announcement comes after London moved to tier 3 at midnight on Tuesday following a sharp rise in infections.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs it was necessary to extend tier 3 restrictions across a large area of East and South East England as a result of rapidly increasing infection rates.
Bristol and North Somerset will move from tier 3 to tier 2 from Saturday following a drop in infection rates.
Meanwhile, Herefordshire will move from tier 2 to tier 1.
Mr Hancock told the Commons "we mustn't blow it now" as he announced tougher restrictions in a number of areas.
Speaking of the decision to move more areas into tier 3, he said: “I regret having to take the action that we have to take.
“I deem it necessary and there is a strong view right across Government that these actions are necessary.
“But I also plead that personal responsibility is absolutely essential to how we as a society should respond to this pandemic.”