Rutland MP Alicia Kearns says growing pressure on health services, especially from the new strain of Covid-19, are behind the higher tiers being imposed on Rutland and neighbouring counties.

The MP has issued a statement following the latest restrictions announced this afternoon from Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

From midnight tonight, Rutland moves into Tier 3 . Leicestershire and Lincolnshire move into Tier 4. from midnight tonight.

The MP said: "The new strain of the virus is behind a significant increase in cases across the country:

"In Rutland our cases have risen to: 182.8 / 100,000

In Melton our cases have risen to: 226.5 / 100,000

In Harborough our cases have risen to: 226 / 100,000

"Last week the update I received from our local NHS had our rates at:

In Rutland our cases were: 105.2 / 100,000

In Melton our cases were: 183.6 / 100,000

In Harborough our cases were: 194 / 100,000

"The national rate is 353.7. Whilst we are below the national rate, our rates are much higher than we want them to be, and have increased at a worrying rate over just the last week."

Mrs Kearns continued: "Our villages are also under pressure, it is not just towns. The pressures on our local hospitals in Leicester and at Peterborough are enormous: patient numbers continue to increase, the pressures on ICU are significant, and increasing staff sickness is causing challenges. In addition we are firmly now in Winter, when the NHS is always under pressure.

"This tougher tiering is to keep us safe, and in recognition of the virulence of the new mutation."

The MP added: "Locally we continue to benefit from vaccination centres in Oakham, Melton and Market Harborough, and this vaccination programme will continue apace and be bolstered by the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine which will be rolled out nationally from 4th January. The vaccination gives us a plan and a way out, but we are not there yet.

"I encourage everyone to please get tested if they need to, we need to know where the virus is, and stop it spreading."

The leader of Rutland County Council, Coun Oliver Hemsley, commented on the tier changes: "It is disappointing that we have moved into a Tier 3, but totally understandable.

"Covid-19 cases are rising locally and in the areas we border. It is therefore imperative that we all continue to follow the rules and stay at home unless you need to go out for work, exercise or essential provisions, to protect ourselves and each other."