Harborough will stay in Tier 3 - as many parts of the country have been told they will move into the new Tier 4 on Boxing Day

Harborough will stay in Tier 3 of the Covid restrictions - as many parts of the country have been told they will move into the new Tier 4 on Boxing Day.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced today (Wednesday) that more areas of England will move into Tier 4 on Boxing Day - but Leicestershire was not named in the new list.

Instead, Mr Hancock said that more areas in the east and south east of England would be added to the list.

From Boxing Day, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, those parts in Essex not already in tier four, Waverley in Surrey, and Hampshire - including Portsmouth and Southampton but with the exception of the New Forest - will be moved into tier four.

Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset (including the North Somerset area), Swindon, the Isle of Wight, the New Forest and Northamptonshire, as well as Cheshire and Warrington, will be moved into tier three.

Cornwall and Herefordshire will be move into tier two.

The leader of Harborough council is now urging people across the district to do all they can to combat Covid-19 this Christmas and New Year as coronavirus cases start to climb here again.

Cllr Phil King is issuing his heartfelt appeal to tens of thousands of people through the Harborough Mail.

“I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

“People deserve to be able to enjoy some joy and happiness after the year we’ve all had,” said Cllr King.

“But we all have to be more vigilant and more careful as never before.

“Unfortunately, the figures are starting to go the wrong way again.

“So we all have a great responsibility to be on our guard – both for our own sakes and for the entire community’s.”

He said there were 190 cases of the virus in Harborough in the seven days until Tuesday December 22.

That was 67 cases up on the previous seven-day period – forcing up the district’s Covid rate to about 200 per 100,000 people.

“We’ve had outbreaks at a few care homes across Harborough.

“Cases appear to be increasing right across the board, across all age groups.

““So we all have a huge responsibility to do what we can to beat this terrible virus once and for all.

“Wash your hands, use sanitiser going in and out of shops, keep your distance, wear a face covering,” stressed Cllr King.

“None of us are immune – Covid can strike any of us at any time.

“I’m appealing to teenagers and young people especially to follow all the rules and the guidance.

“And please do not panic buy at our shops either – there is simply no need to.

“I understand that there’s deep anxiety out there.

“We’ve had nine months of this pandemic now and people have had enough.

“But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“The vaccine’s being rolled out and it will have a momentous impact.

“So it will get better – and I’m sure 2021 will be a whole lot better than 2020 has been.

“We are almost there – so let’s not let up now.

“Stay safe and let’s go forward into the New Year together,” said the Conservative council chief.

Cllr Phil Knowles, who heads up the council’s Liberal Democrat group, told the Mail: “I want to send my best wishes to everyone across Harborough this Christmas.

“I’d also urge everyone to adhere to the rules.

“What we sow now we’ll reap in the New Year.

“We haven’t seen the virus hybrid here in Leicestershire yet.

“But when it comes and gets a real grip we’ll see cases go up again.

“So please do all you can to force back this killer disease – this fight is in our own hands.”

The Liberal Democrat leader is also exhorting the Government to step up urgent support for struggling shops and businesses.

“Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have got to act now.

“Many of our businesses are on a knife edge,” said Cllr Knowles.

“They are on the breadline.

“None of us wants to see our treasured high streets and town centres hollowed out and wrecked.

“So the Government has got to step up and step forward now to save our shops and businesses.”

Cllr Nick Rushton, the leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “What a year this has been.

“A truly awful time for our residents, communities and our neighbours - local and global.

“It has been a shared crisis.

“Even now - we're facing a Christmas of uncertainty and, for some, loneliness.

“Many have lost loved ones this year to Covid and other illnesses, and it is a season to remember all those who aren't around the table as usual.

“But as I think about the past few months, I'm filled with gratitude and hope.

“I remember the day-to-day efforts of our social care staff and key workers.

“I recall those who, while the country went into a swift and silent lockdown in March, continued to run schools, learning programmes and childcare.”

He added: “I thank our community and voluntary organisations who stepped up to coordinate the efforts of those willing to help.

“An army of volunteers who were quick to support and protect those shielding over those long months.

“Some charities struggled to stay afloat without their usual income streams - and we're pleased to have supported more than 160 voluntary groups to keep going.

“And as the tills ring up the final Christmas shopping, we spare a thought for those whose doors must stay shut.

“We know how important local businesses are to our communities and it's one of the reasons that last week we launched our grants for rural pubs - match funding the government's own funding of £1,000.

“We've been tested this year but it has shown us the value of communities, the importance of our local economy, the significance of our health and care workforce, and the resilience of our residents.

“In 2021, we will support the NHS to roll out the Covid vaccine locally and we will rebuild the quality of life we enjoy in Leicestershire.

“We'll see families and neighbours reconnect.

“We'll see businesses bounce back and adapt - boosting jobs and skills for the future.

“For now, I wish all those who are able to take a break over Christmas some peace and rest, and I look forward, with optimism, to the New Year.”

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien said: “As we approach the end of a year like no other, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

“I know that for many it won’t be the same this year but I hope you are able to enjoy the day with your nearest and dearest.

“My best wishes to you all for the new year ahead also.”