Tooting to move into strictest Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions, Health Secretary confirms

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed on a call to MPs that Tooting and the city of London will be put back into Tier 3 restrictions.

Parts of Hertfordshire and Essex will also be moving into Tier 3.

Tier changes will come in to force at 00:01 on Wednesday 16th December.

What does Tier Three mean?

• You cannot mix indoors, in private gardens or in most outdoor venues, except with your household or bubble

• You can meet in a group of up to six in other outdoor spaces, such as parks, beaches or countryside

• Shops, gyms and personal care services (such as hairdressing) can stay open

• Bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must stay closed, except for delivery and takeaway

• Sports fans cannot attend events in stadiums

• Indoor entertainment venues - such as bowling alleys and cinemas - must stay closed

• People are advised not to travel to and from tier three areas

Virus mutates

Speaking in the House of Commons, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said 1,000 cases of a "new variant" of Covid-19 have been identified, mostly in southern parts of England.

He said: "We have identified a new variant of coronavirus, which may be associated with the fastest spread in the south-east of England.

"Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants."

This new strain is not thought to be more serious and it should still be possible to vaccinate against, Mr Hancock added.