Hertfordshire County Council have released a statement on the new national restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a new lockdown in a bid to curb rapidly rising Covid cases that threaten to overwhelm the NHS.

In an address to the nation at 8pm on Monday evening, the PM set out 'further steps' - after existing tiers currently in place failed to prevent the spread of coronavirus that has been driven by a new variant.

He also said that primary schools, secondary schools and colleges across the country will move to remote teaching from tomorrow, Tuesday - except for key workers' children and vulnerable children.

The PM said that the new restrictions will last at least six weeks, with schools shut until February half-term.

Read on for the statement from Hertfordshire County Council on the new national lockdown.

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Following the Prime Minister's announcement of new national restrictions, the Leader of Hertfordshire County Council has issued a reassurance that the council will continue to deliver vital services across the county.

David Williams, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: "The government has announced that England will enter a national lockdown from later this evening (00.01, 5 January).

"We recognise this will have a marked impact on residents and businesses, but appreciate these extreme measures are deemed necessary to keep everyone in our community safe.

"I would like to issue my reassurance that Hertfordshire County Council will continue to work closely with its partners to deliver vital services across the county, as well as supporting the education sector, and businesses in the region through our work with Hertfordshire's Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

"My heartfelt thanks to all staff on the frontline and in supporting roles who continue to play their part in the momentous effort to prevail over Covid."

Lockdown rules explained here.