There has been no change to the coronavirus tier in Milton Keynes this afternoon as a number of areas were moved up to higher levels of restrictions.
It means our city remains in Tier 4 restrictions, which were imposed from just after midnight on Sunday morning.
Nearby Northamptonshire is set to be moved up from Tier 2 to Tier 3 from this coming Saturday.
The change means that pubs, bars and restaurants across the neighbouring county will have to close from Saturday.
An increase in restrictions will affect a number of places close to Milton Keynes including Old Stratford, Deanshanger and Towcester.
Commenting on the announcements, Ben Everitt MP for Milton Keynes North said: "These new variants of the virus are deeply worrying. They spread faster than the strains of Covid-19 we have experienced so far."
"There is no data to show that the new variants are any more dangerous than the other forms of the virus, simply that it spreads much faster and easier."
"That's why it's up to all of us to follow the rules and protect each other by break the chain of transmission."
"In Milton Keynes that means staying home."
"The vaccines will help us get back to normal, but for now, we all have a part to play in stopping the spread of this virus."
"Hang in there, we will get through this. Stay home, stay safe."
The next review of coronavirus tiers is planned for 30th December.
A number of areas are also being moved up to Tier 4 restrictions - with Oxfordshire, Sussex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, parts of Essex not already in Tier 4, Waverley in Surrey and Hampshire all moving to Tier 4 from Saturday morning.
There is also changes for Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Swindon, Isle of Wight, New Forest, Northamptonshire, Cheshire and Warrington which will all be moved up to Tier 3 level of restrictions.
Meanwhile, Cornwall and Herefordshire will go into Tier 2 from their current Tier 1 level.
