Coronavirus: Staffordshire to move into Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions 'as soon as this weekend'

Staffordshire is set to move into Tier 2 of COVID-19 restrictions following a continuing rise in cases.

The exact date when the new measures will be enforced in the West Midlands region is yet to be confirmed, but it "could be as soon as this weekend," Staffordshire County Council said in a statement.

The status of the alert will be reviewed in 14 days.

Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "Our residents and businesses have made huge efforts to keep our county safe and open, but despite this, cases continue to rise rapidly and we are now facing tighter restrictions.

"This year, Staffordshire has showed what it does best - pulling together and supporting our communities, but now we need to redouble our efforts to avoid any further restrictions and protect our county."

He added: "We can, and we must rise, to this new challenge, but it is down to each and every one of us to stick to the new rules when they do come into force to help keep Staffordshire safe and open for business."

The government's three-tier alerts are medium, high and very high.

Under the high coronavirus alert level - also known as Tier 2 - people in the affected areas are not able to mix socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they live with them or have formed a support bubble.

The very high alert level - Tier 3 - involves tougher restrictions, such as the closure of some businesses.

Dr Richard Harling, Director of Health and Care, said: "The virus is spreading in Staffordshire largely through social contact, so this extra guidance on mixing indoors will hopefully help reduce the rate of infection.

"By sticking to the COVID High Alert rules, we have the best chance of not only curbing the spread of infection, but also of having these extra measures removed as quickly as possible."

Parts of the UK under Tier 2 restrictions include London, Essex, Slough, Coventry and York.

The rule of six applies to private gardens and outdoor spaces in Tier 2 and social distancing rules also apply.

Pubs and restaurants remain open, but there is no mixing of households inside and a 10pm curfew.