Ringwood, Fordingbridge and the New Forest are moving to tier 3 restrictions whilst Hampshire including Southampton goes into tier 4 from Boxing Day.

The latest changes were announced by Matt Hancock on Wednesday afternoon during the daily briefing.

Secretary of State for Health Hancock said Hampshire – including Portsmouth and Southampton but with the exception of the New Forest – will be escalated to tier four. The New Forest will be escalated to tier three.

Verwood and the rest of Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, remain in tier 2.

As a reminder, Verwood residents (tier 2) must adhere to the following rules when entering tier 3 areas including Ringwood:

Avoid travel to or overnight stays in Tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as:

• • for work
  • for education
  • to access voluntary, charitable or youth services
  • to visit your support bubble
  • to receive medical treatment
  • for moving home
  • because of caring responsibilities

You can travel through a Tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey.

Dr Jane Horne, Consultant in Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils said: “Our case numbers of people testing positive to Covid-19 are rising across both council areas. It is vital people follow all the rules set out by the Government so that we don’t see even further increases.

“We know that social mixing leads to higher transmission rates. I’d urge everyone to think carefully about meeting up with others this Christmas, particularly with those who are more vulnerable.

“Covid isn’t going away, and although priority groups are starting to be vaccinated, it will take a while before this has an effect and we can resume more normal activities.”

Several factors are considered when looking at the tier system. Along with headline infection rates, the government also looks at the infection rate in older people, the impact on the care sector and pressure on local hospitals – all of which continue to be a concern in both council areas.

Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council said: “2020 has been tough and unprecedented year for everyone. With the exception of Christmas Day, Dorset has remained in tier 2 restrictions following the review earlier this month.

“This is disappointing but on balance the right decision for Dorset. It’s vital that we all continue to follow these guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Dorset. This will help to contain the case rates which have risen sharply in the past two weeks, and assist our hospitals in maintaining adequate bed capacity and don’t become overstretched during the winter months so they can continue to deliver the best care for those who really need medical treatment in this difficult time.”