Essex County Council (ECC) has expressed disappointment over the decision to place most of the area under Tier Three from midnight on Wednesday (16 December).

Last week Essex County Council urged ministers and officials to keep the county in Tier 2 based on its overall infection rate. However, as the numbers of cases continued to soar, Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the announcement to Parliament this afternoon. He also told how a more infectious variant of the Covid-19 virus is partly responsible for wreaking the current havoc in the South East.

Now the districts of Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon and Rochford will move to Tier 3 at 00.01 on Wednesday, 16 December. The neighbouring unitary councils of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock will also move under the Tier 3 restrictions.

Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring will remain in Tier 2 for the time being but will be reviewed by the Government again on Wednesday.

Reaction from Essex County Council

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: "Essex County Council had argued strongly to remain in Tier 2, given the impact on jobs and businesses, especially in the hospitality sector in the run-up to Christmas. However, the county council understands the need to act in light of the latest and increasing infection levels.

"Moving these parts of the county to Tier 3 comes as a result of a continued rise in infections, with several Essex boroughs and districts now at or over the threshold for Tier 3 restrictions.

"Under Tier 3 restrictions, many businesses will need to temporarily close, or change the way they operate. The county council will now work with government to ensure Essex businesses have all the available support."

Leader of Essex County Council. Cllr David Finch said: "I am of course very disappointed with this news.

"We have worked tirelessly to reduce the spread of infection in our county, but unfortunately the numbers continue to go in the wrong direction, especially in those areas that the government has decided should move to tier 3.

"We know that for these areas, moving to Tier 3 will inevitably impact businesses, particularly in the hospitality trade at what would normally be their busiest time of the year. We will lobby the Government to ensure our Essex businesses have all the support they need during this very challenging time.

"Ultimately it is in our hands to stem the spread of this dreadful virus. The greatest gift anyone can give this Christmas is keeping yourself and your family safe. No-one wants to see a further rise in cases after the holidays. Please, follow the restrictions relevant to your area, work from home and of course, remember - hands, face and space."

In addition to urging residents to adhere to the new restrictions, the county council will continue to roll-out more testing and work with schools, businesses, and health and voluntary sector partners, to stem increases of infection.

Details for support for businesses in all tiers, including financial support for those in Tier 3 can be found at the Government website via the link here.

For more information on the Tier 3 restrictions see the Maldon District Council website via the link here.