From tomorrow in residents in Northumberland, north Tyneside, south Tyneside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham will not be allowed to socialise with other people outside of their household or support bubble, Matt Hancock has announced.

Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only and late night restrictions of operating hours will have a 10pm curfew.

"I know that these decisions have a real impact on families, on businesses and local communities," said Mr Hancock. "And I can tell everyone effected that we do not take these decisions lightly."

"We agree with the local councils that we must follow the data and act. And the data says we must act now so we can control the virus and keep people safe."

"I know that the people of the North East will come together to defeat this virus, as defeat it we must," he added.

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