New Forest remains in Tier 2 as coronavirus restriction level review is delayed

RESIDENTS in the New Forest and Christchurch anticipating an announcement today (Wednesday) about any change to the current Tier 2 restrictions will be disappointed.

Covid restrictions across the country are being reviewed but no announcement is expected to be made today, according to the government.

Ministers and public health experts will review the Tier system by the end of today but it is not yet known when the outcome will be announced, writes Maria Zaccaro of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Hampshire is currently under Tier 2 High Level restrictions which means that indoors meetings are banned but up to six people can meet outdoors. Pub and bars can open but only if they operate as a restaurant.

Earlier this morning the government said health secretary Matt Hancock will confirm the outcome and any changes to tiers “at the earliest opportunity”.

But the Department of Health and Social Care has just confirmed that no announcement is expected today. It is understood the outcome of the review is expected to be announced tomorrow instead.

Last month directors of public health in Hampshire and Southampton said the county might remain in Tier 2 after today’s review, in a bid to manage the loosening of restrictions at Christmas.

In a statement a spokesperson for the department of Health and Social Care said: “Tiering decisions are based on a range of factors including how quickly case rates are going up or down, cases in the over-60s, pressure on the NHS and local circumstances.

“Decisions are made by ministers, informed by leading epidemiologists, public health experts, and clinicians.”

Yesterday Simon Bryant, director of public health at Hampshire County Council, said the rate of infection across the county was still “concerning”.

County council leader Cllr Keith Mans said the whole of Hampshire might remain in Tier 2.