Politicians in Hitchin and Hertfordshire have reacted to the government announcement our area has been placed in Tier 2.

Health secretary Matt Hancock has revealed details in a speech to the House of Commons about what will happen after lockdown ends next Wednesday, December 2.

The government announced today, Thursday, three tiers of Covid restrictions across local authority areas in England, with the news that Hitchin - and the whole of Hertfordshire - will be in Tier 2.

Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb, Leader of North Hertfordshire District Council said: "As we head out of lockdown into Tier 2 restrictions, please do not let your guard down or become complacent.

"While it might seem tempting to break the rules following lockdown, particularly on indoor mixing, they are in place to keep us all safe and stop infections in North Herts rising.

"We cannot afford to let our hospitals be overwhelmed with admissions.

"With news of vaccines on the horizon, there is light at the end of the tunnel, but we need to continue to play our part and protect ourselves and others throughout this period of high restrictions. Stay safe and look after one another."

Under the system there will be three tiers of alert:

Tier 1 - Medium alert level. It will feature current rules such as the rule of six and 10pm closing time for pub

Tier 2 - Which affects Hitchin and the whole of Hertfordshire: High alert level - People will not be able to mix with other households indoors

Tier 3 - Very high alert level - Household mixing banned. All pubs and bars will be closed

David Williams, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, added: "It has been announced that following the end of the national lockdown, Hertfordshire as a whole will move into Tier 2: High Alert, in the Government's new system of Covid alert levels.

"We have been in ongoing dialog with the government and this decision is based on a series of indicators that reflect the continued prevalence of the virus in the county.

"In recent weeks we have been working closely with the NHS, and Hertfordshire's district and borough councils in preparation for the end of the national lockdown. As such, we are well prepared to continue supporting our communities to come through the new level of restrictions.

"We understand that being in Tier 2 will bring concerns for many. These will include the restriction on socialising with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, as well as the economic consequences, especially for our hospitality sector."

Councillor Williams added that it is now important than ever that we re-double our efforts to ensure that the recent downward trend in our infection rates is sustained in order to secure a move to Tier 1 as soon as possible.

He also extended his thanks to all Hertfordshire residents who have continued to play their part over the last month by adhering to the national restrictions.

He added: "However, the virus is still circulating widely in the community, and we must not let our guard down in the run up to the festive period.

"The recent announcement of a vaccine marks a significant step forward in the fight against Covid, yet we cannot afford to be complacent.

"We must all continue to take responsibility to lower the risks in our day-to-day lives by playing our part - keeping up the basics of hand-washing, social distancing and wearing face-masks, getting a test if you develop symptoms and self-isolating when required – and now following the restrictions which apply to Tier 2."