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Some parts of England could have their coronavirus restrictions relaxed before Christmas, a cabinet minister told Sky News.
Speaking to Kay Burley, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said there was “every reason” to believe that some areas could be relocated. COVID-19 tier system when there is a review in mid-December.
Find your area on this map to find out what level you have been placed on
“It is possible,” he said.
“There will be a checkpoint in 14 days, around December 16.
“At that time, advised by the experts, we will examine each area of local authority and see if there is a possibility of downgrading.
“There were several places that were fairly balanced judgments at the top of different levels. Those are the places that are most likely to be in that position.”
Jenrick said a relaxation of restrictions over Christmas, which will see three households can mix for five days – will probably “drive a higher infection rate”.
“Our general approach is to try to ensure that the levels remain firm and that the places are in a process of reduction,” he continued.
“What we don’t want to do is relax too quickly and then find out that in January we will have to put the levels back in place.
“But there is every reason to believe that the venues could see a change between December 16-17.”
Before the end of the second national lockdown on December 2, the allocation of the tiers was revealed on Thursday.
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Workforce not yet supporting new levels
Was revealed that 99% of the population of England will fall under the two most difficult levels.
Approximately 32 million people, covering 57.3% of England, will enter Level 2.
But 23.3 million people, 41.5% of the population, will be at Level 3.
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The most difficult levels could continue in 2021
Much of the Midlands, the Northeast and Northwest will be subject to the harshest measures.
Hospitality venues will be closed in the lead-up to Christmas unless they can provide take-out or delivery services, and households are prohibited from mixing indoors.
But the numbers suggest that, of the 119 areas that will be at Level 3 starting next week, only eight have reported an increase in coronavirus cases.
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Boris Johnson is Faced with the prospect of a revolt among Conservative MPs when the measures come to a vote in the Commons next week.
According to a tally by Sky News, at least 48 Conservative MPs have made their concerns about the tiered ranking public or have said they are unlikely to support the measures when it comes to a vote.
