CHESHIRE East has been moved into the highest risk category, tier four, by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, as he placed millions more people under tougher coronavirus restrictions.

Mr Hancock told the Commons this afternoon (Wednesday) that with cases rising sharply and hospitalisations increasing the government had to "demonstrate the need to act where the virus is spreading".

The majority of new cases are believed to be the new variant.

Cheshire East was placed in tier three on Boxing Day, but the numbers of people testing positive for Covid-19 have surged by a third over the last week.

Latest government data shows there were 1,061 positive Covid-19 tests in Cheshire East from December 23 to 29 (yesterday), a rise of 33 per cent on the previous week.

Areas of Crewe, including Coppenhall and Underwood, Crewe North East and Crewe South West and Wistaston, have rolling rates of infection of over 400 per 100,000 population.

Cheshire West and Warrington are also moving from tier three into tier four, while large areas of Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester have been upgraded from tier three to tier four. Shropshire and the Liverpool City region are moving up from tier two to tier three.

The gloomy outlook has been tempered by the news that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in the UK with the first doses due to be administered next week.

Mr Hancock said the UK has 100 million doses of Oxford-AstaZeneca on order and "combined with the Pfizer vaccine is enough to vaccine every adult in the UK with both doses".

"Everyone who wants one, can get a vaccine," he said.

Tier four rules include a "stay at home" order and mean businesses such as non-essential shops, hairdressers and gyms must close.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan says rising local infection rates and a surge in Covid admissions at Leighton Hospital meant the government had little room for manoeuvre in Cheshire East.

A week ago (December 23) Leighton was treating 109 Covid-19 patients, eight of whom needed ICU treatment.

"I know this is news that we didn't want," said the MP. "Though it isn't the only thing they look at, the rate has gone from 183 to 238 per 100,000 up to December 24.

"Admissions to Leighton Hospital are up by 60 per cent in the last seven days. I think the government hasn't been really left with any choice.

"I know this change will be very hard for hospitality and gyms and other that have to shut. So I just have to ask for patience and perseverance.

"The second vaccine which is much much easier to store and transport has been approved so we have a way out. There are 500,000 of the new vaccine ready for deployment on Monday."

Cheshire East Council leader Sam Corcoran said: "At this stage we do not know how long we will be subject to tier four restrictions, but, as previously announced by government, we anticipate a review in two weeks' time.

"I implore all residents and businesses to adhere to the government's restrictions. It is vital that we all continue to observe the basics of hands, face, space.

"Remember, the virus spreads through droplets breathed out by an infected person. If we do the right thing and keep our distance, we cannot spread the infection."

Cheshire East Council says some vital services it delivers, such as job clubs, may stay open but its leisure centres and libraries will close.

Deputy Leader Craig Browne said: "This change will have a significant impact on local businesses and we will be doing everything within our power and resources to support them.

"We are also reviewing the impact on council services and how we deliver them. There may be circumstances where some facilities can open for specific activities."

In tier four, people cannot meet indoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble.

But they can socialise in public outdoor spaces with their household, support or childcare bubble, or with one other person. Public outdoor spaces include

• parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
• public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)
• allotments
• the grounds of a heritage site
• outdoor sports courts and facilities
• playgrounds

In general, people must not leave their home or garden without a 'reasonable excuse', which include:

• Going to work or to perform voluntary services if you cannot work from home.
• Shopping for essential supplies
• Picking up takeaways or click-and-collect orders
• Accessing critical public services
• Going to school or any other necessary supervised activities for children
• Providing informal childcare or care for vulnerable people
• Visiting outdoor spaces or sports facilities for exercise.
• Getting a Covid-19 test
• Medical appointments
• Being with someone who is giving birth
• Avoiding injury or illness or to escape the risk of harm
• Visiting someone who is dying
• Visiting a place of communal worship

People under tier four restrictions may not travel outside of their area unless they are going to work, school, hospital, medical appointments or to fulfil caring obligations. People may also visit and stay overnight with members of their support bubble.

For more detail on tier four see the government guidelines here.