North Herts District Council's leader has reacted to the entire county including Hitchin being moved to Tier 3 on Saturday.

The government announced on Thursday that the whole of Hertfordshire will be placed in Tier 3 restrictions this weekend.

Tier 3 is only introduced when there is a very high rate of positive Covid cases or if there is a very rapid rising level of infections.

NHDC leader, Martin Stears-Handscomb, said: "It is incredibly worrying how quickly the Covid virus is now spreading across the county.

"The vaccine is on the way but until then, we all need to play our part and do whatever we can to stop the spread of this terrible virus which is affecting so many people every day in the UK.

"Every resident in North Herts needs to take their individual responsibility seriously to protect those who are nearest and dearest to us, as you will help to save the lives of many loved ones.

"Please wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and socially distance if you are out."

The NHDC boss also advised caution over Christmas when rules are relaxed, saying: "I would also strongly urge you to be careful with your plans over Christmas if you were thinking of mixing with extended family or with friends due to the relaxed rules at that time.

"It is highly likely many will become infected with Covid during the Christmas break and our NHS services will struggle to cope in January. We do not want to lose any more lives to this horrendous disease."