UPDATED – As York goes into Covid Tier 2 from Saturday one MP says it won’t stop the virus spreading

York will go into Tier 2 restrictions from one minute past midnight on Saturday morning (17 October), it was announced today.

Health secretary Matt Hancock revealed in parliament that the city will be put in a higher level of restrictions due to rising levels of Covid cases.

It takes York from the Medium level to the High level.

What does that mean?

Households cannot mix indoors, including in pubs, restaurants and shops.

But businesses can remain open and people can meet outdoors in groups of up to six.

The 10pm hospitality trade curfew remain in place.

The city’s MPs were told about the move by ministers. York’s Labour MP, Rachael Maskell, says it won’t stop the spread of the virus.

Speaking in the House of Commons Ms Maskell said: “I do not believe the measures in Tier 2 are going to be sufficient to stop the spread of the virus in our city, which is rising incredibly sharply, in the older population too.

“York experiences real challenges every winter because of the capacity issues at the hospital and without taking more acute action now.

“I’m concerned we’re going to be in serious difficulty in just a few weeks’ time.”

The Health Secretary acknowledged the spread of the virus here saying cases increased by 60% in York over the last week.

Mr Hancock said: “My message to everybody in York, a city I know and love, is that it is so important all of us abide by these rules and reduce social contact. That way we can start to get the increase in the number of cases in York coming down.”

Twitter came first

The Lib Dems, which run the council in York along with the Greens, tweeted to say “Once again – city leaders and public health teams learn of this significant news through a leaked tweet.

“This is unacceptable – the Government must proactively engage with local leaders to ensure local communities are protected.”

They added that the Government must recognise that a local Track and Trace system is the only way to provide the capacity and knowledge needed to have a functioning system, which is vital to slow the spread of the virus.

“Comprehensive financial support must be provided to local PH teams!” The tweet said.

The Tier 2 restrictions will be subject to a review in 14 days time.

Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “Our businesses have stepped up and created controlled safe spaces for people to safely enjoy the city.

“It is crucial that we continue in this spirit, shop local and work together to protect the people and places we love.

“Together with our partners, we will continue to lobby the government for further financial support for our local businesses during this difficult time, as it is absolutely critical that the government unlock more funding for businesses and to ensure employment support in areas with additional restrictions.”

York’s case rate continues to rise.

The case rate was at 247.37 per 100,000 people on October 12.

And yesterday the council’s director of public health Sharon Stoltz said there are more than 30 people in York Hospital with coronavirus.

You can read up on all the restrictions and advice on this Government web page