THE fact the whole of the North-East was placed under Tier 3 restrictions as England heads out of lockdown dominated the news yesterday. Here's what you need to know from the last 24-hours. 

  • A further 498 covid deaths and region's cases rise by more than 1,000

Figures show that 498 more people have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of today, bringing the UK total to 57,031.

As of 9am on today, there had been a further 17,555 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK. It brings the total number of cases in the UK to 1,574,562.

Figures show that in the North-East and North Yorkshire region, there have been a further 1,045 positive coronavirus cases recorded in the 24-hours up to 9am today. Click here for a full breakdown across North-East and Yorkshire local authorities.

  • Every area in the North-East to be placed under Tier 3 restrictions next week

The whole of the North-East will face the strictest of coronavirus restrictions once the national lockdown ends next week, it has been today confirmed.

All areas across the region have been revealed as being placed under Tier 3 restrictions, according to the government's official list.

But areas in North Yorkshire, including in Hambleton and Richmondshire, will be placed under less stringent rules next week, under Tier 2.

Speaking in the House of Commons this morning, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the measures are necessary given the “scale of the threat”. Read more about what Mr Hancock told commons in the annoucement.

  • Infection rates continue to fall despite being placed into Tier 3

The number of new Covid cases being reported across the North-East and North Yorkshire has continued to see a decline.

Latest Public Health England figures for the region, published on November 26, shows every council area here has seen a downwards trend in new cases.

The figures, which are from the seven days to November 20, shows a significant decline in the infection rate when compared with the week previous.

But the fall in the infection rate may still not be enough for the North-East to be placed under Tier 3 restrictions once the national lockdown ends next week. Read more.

  • Northern council leader slams Government for Tier 3 decision 

A North-East council leader has hit back, slamming the decision while 'sparing' parts of London from the same restrictions where infection rates are high.

The government has been accused of providing London boroughs with "preferential treatment" despite some areas seeing a high number of new cases. 

Shane Moore, leader of Hartlepool Council, has asked the Health Secretary Matt Hancock to justify why some London boroughs have escaped Tier 3. Read the full story here.

  • Politicians react differently to Tier 3 news 

Politicans from around the region have reacted to the news that all the North-East is set to be placed in Tier 3 restrictions next month. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the news was "disappointing" but "essential" while Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough, said: "It perhaps comes as no surprise". Read the full story with reactions from across the region here.

Meanwhile, seven councils in the north of the region, including Durham County Council, have thanked residents for adhering to the rules as infection rates drop and said continued compliance will "allow" the region to eventually move into Tier 2. Read the full story here.

  • North Yorkshire avoids tightest restrictions 

Leaders across North Yorkshire have warned against complacency as the county avoided being placed in the most restrictive of Covid tiers.

They have also issued a big thank you today to all the residents that have worked so hard to bring the Covid-19 rate of infection down below the England average.

As a result of concerted efforts across North Yorkshire and the impact of the lockdown, the county’s rate of infection is now under 200 per 100,000 – low enough to place the county into tier 2 of the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions. Read more here.