Tier three announcements prove the UK lockdown system isn’t working

The easing of restrictions over Christmas is likely to lead to a prolonged second wave and, sadly, more deaths.

A Covid-19 public health information board in Covent Garden, after the capital was placed into tier 3 coronavirus restrictions, in London, U.K., on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. The switch to tier 3 rules from tier 2 in London and parts of southeast England will see pubs, bars and restaurants closed, except for serving takeaway meals. Photographer: Betty Laura Zapata/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The announcement by the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, that millions of people in England will fall under the harshest lockdown restrictions just days before Christmas shows that the government’s tier two measures have failed to contain Covid-19.

Under the new guidelines, in place from Saturday 19 December, eight areas are moving from tier two to tier three. But only two places – Bristol and North East Somerset – have been moved down from the highest level. Herefordshire will also move from tier two to tier one.