Coronavirus: Why is Portsmouth and Hampshire in Tier 2 and when could it come out of 'high' restrictions?

The current restrictions will come to an end on December 2 before the country reverts back to a three-tiered system.

On Thursday, November 26, it was announced that Portsmouth and the rest of Hampshire would be in Tier 2 – meaning ‘high' alert.

Isle of Wight is one of three places that will be under Tier 1 restrictions.

But when could the restrictions change?

Here's what we know so far:

Why was Portsmouth and Hampshire put in Tier 2?

Coronavirus infection rates have been falling across the county in the seven days to November 21.

In Portsmouth the rate dropped from over 300 per 100,000 to just under 200 in that time frame.

The government has given its rationale for putting Portsmouth, Southampton and Hampshire in Tier 2.

A statement reads: ‘There is a mixed picture across this area although the overall case rate is now 152 per 100,000 and falling in almost all areas.

‘NHS admissions were increasing rapidly until mid-November and are now stable.’

SEE ALSO: What you can and can't do in Tier 2 Covid lockdown areas

When could we come out of Tier 2 restrictions?

The current restrictions will be reviewed by December 16 – two weeks after the tier system comes into force.

So the tier for Portsmouth and Hampshire could change come December 16 – this is dependent on how infection rates have changed.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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