In light of the decision by the government to move the whole of Hertfordshire including Hitchin into Tier 3, here is a statement from David Williams, leader of Hertfordshire County Council:

We fully recognise the huge impact this move into Tier 3 will have on families and businesses.

Across Hertfordshire, Local Government, the National Health Service, the Local Enterprise Partnership and many other partners have plans in place to do all we can to support our communities.

Ultimately, we must all keep playing our part to help reduce the number of cases in the county and take the key steps towards resuming our normal lives.

In recent weeks, we have been stressing the fundamental importance of everyone in Hertfordshire following the rules and guidance around social contact and distancing, wearing face-coverings when required and washing your hands regularly.

The message remains clear and exactly the same we must all stay disciplined and stick to the guidance and rules if we are to improve the situation in our county.

It is vital that we all now redouble these efforts, particularly as we all plan for how we will follow the guidance over the Christmas and New Year period, including the Christmas bubble rules, which are in place from 23 to 27 December.

Before then, it is also imperative that we reduce or even avoid social contact with other people who are not in our household or existing support bubble.