Hull and the East Riding latest areas to be placed under stricter coronavirus rules

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said cases had continued to rise and agreement had been reached with local leaders.

He said: “We continue to see a worrying rise in cases right across the country, and it is clear decisive action is needed.

“We have agreed with local leaders to move more areas into the High Local Covid Alert Level this week.

“These restrictions are challenging for us all, but it is only by working together and following the rules that we will bring down the rates of infection. A failure to act now will only lead to longer disruption and greater economic damage. I want to thank everyone who is playing their part to break the chains of transmission across the country. We will beat this virus, but we must stick together as we enter the winter months.”

The High, or Tier 2, restrictions will mean that people cannot mix households indoors, but can still meet outdoors in groups of up to six.

But Hull East MP Labour MP Karl Turner said these rules were “not strong enough to have a significant effect on driving down the R rate locally and are disproportionately difficult for the hospitality sector”.

He said: “I am also deeply frustrated that despite higher levels of deprivation, Hull is to receive the same level of additional support as the East Riding. I have made that clear to Government ministers and will continue to fight for a fair deal for Hull.”

Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy added she was pushing for business support money to be handed to Hull City Council as soon as possible.

The classification will be reviewed in 14 days, and all other areas currently in Tier 2 will remain in those restrictions until the next review also.

But Ms Hardy added: “We have been told that even though they will be looking at the numbers in a couple of weeks that’s probably too soon to see how the new Tier 2 measures have impacted the figures.”

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader for Hull City Council, Ryan Langley, added: “People, particularly in the North of England have been constantly let down by this London-centric government approach. As we move into these new restrictions there are a whole host of problems from Test and Trace to people living in care. We cannot be constantly burdened by Government's failures if we are to truly control the virus.

“I sincerely hope that both the governments and Council do everything they can to tackle this virus but while also protecting people’s livelihoods.”

Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council Richard Burton said: “Residents and businesses of the East Riding have been fantastic in their efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 and in supporting each other through this global pandemic, and I’m confident that they will respond positively to this new phase of the public health crisis by doing what is being asked of them.

“I know that this news will be met with understandable concern and frustration, but we must now ask for that same selfless resolve again so that we can come through this together.

“While the situation continues to be challenging, both in terms of public health and the economy, we can see a way forward and light is beginning to shine at the end of the tunnel.”