The Harrogate district will remain in tier two after the first government review of the national tier rules.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the announcement in the House of Commons this morning.

But there was disappointment for West Yorkshire, including Leeds, which was hoping to move down from tier three to tier two.

This could have implications for local pubs and restaurants, as well as policing, which have had to deal with people flouting the rules and travelling to North Yorkshire for a night out.

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Tier rules are based on factors such as infection rates, particularly in the over 60s, and pressure on hospitals.

Case rates in the Harrogate district remain more than double those in tier one areas.

The Harrogate district currently has a rate of 84 infections per 100,000 people compared to 25.9 per 100,000 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, which is in tier one.

What are the rules in tier two?

Tier two:

• No mixing of households indoors apart from support bubbles with a max of six meeting outdoors


• Hospitality venues must close unless operating as restaurants. Can only serve alcohol with a substantial meal


• Retail, entertainment, accommodation, schools, indoor leisure and personal care are all open


• Can travel but avoid tier three areas except where necessary


• Overnight stays are permitted with support bubble only


• Work from home where possible


• Places of worship open but do not interact with anyone outside household or support bubble


• Up to 15 guests for weddings and up to 30 for funerals


• Exercise classes and organised sport can take place outdoors. Cannot take place indoors if there is any contact between people from different households


• Large events can go ahead with 1,000 capacity indoors and 2,000 outdoors

What about Christmas?

Coronavirus restrictions will be eased in England between December 23 and December 27.

Three households will be able to form a temporary bubble. It must be fixed but there will be no limit on numbers joining bubble.

Those who are self-isolating should not join one of these so-called Christmas bubbles.

If someone is in an at-risk group the government has said they must use their own judgement and consider the risks of mixing over Christmas.