RYEDALE'S MP has said he will continue to push for decisions on tiers to be made at a district level so areas with low coronavirus infection levels are not unfairly impacted.

Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: "All three local authorities in Thirsk and Malton (Ryedale, Hambleton and Scarborough) are to be in Tier 2 from Wednesday 0001hrs on December 2.

"I am disappointed that the decision has been made by ministers at North Yorkshire County Council level rather than by district council. I will continue to push for future assessments to be made at district council level so that those areas which manage to keep the coronavirus infection level down are not unfairly impacted by tight restrictions. The good news is that the number of infections across the constituency are coming down and it will be reviewed on December 16. I urge constituents to keep to the rules listed below so that we can move to Tier 1 in time for Christmas.

"Decisions on tiers are based on public health recommendations informed by the following factors: 1. Case detection rate in all age groups and, in particular, the over 60’s 2. How quickly case rates are rising and falling 3. Positivity in the general population 4. Pressure on the NHS, including current and projected NHS capacity 5. Local context and exceptional circumstances, such as a local but contained outbreak."

Liberal Democrat Distirct Cllr Steve Mason, said: "Ryedale has consistently led with way on low infection rates and conformity to lockdowns. North Yorkshire is the biggest county in the UK with diversity of demographics and areas. Our figures have helped other areas from ending up in tier 3. Yet, we have been dragged up into tier 2. How can this be right?

"The work of the volunteers, local council and all the local businesses fighting for survival just seems to have been disregarded. We will keep working together to protect Ryedale, but seriously UK government, look again. This time last year, who would of thought 2020 would have ended in tiers?

The full details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert