THURROCK, its borough neighbours and London have been moved into a new coronavirus Tier Four with effect from midnight.

Non essential shops will close, severe restrictions on travel will be implemented and, in effect the borough is back into full lockdown.

The move was announced in a special news conference at 4pm by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

In addition severe restrictions have been imposed at Christmas with the previous relaxing of rules scrapped. Families across the country will only be able to meet on Christmas Day and, even then, with restrictions.

Mr Johnson said: "We must act now."

The main issue with the new variant is that it appears to be up to 70 per cent more infectious. It is not thought that it results in more serious illness or that it will cause the vaccine to be any less effective.

The new restrictions will come into effect tomorrow.

Summary of the new Tier 4 restrictions and what they will mean for Thurrock

The new restrictions will mean:

-work from home if possible

-stay at home as much as possible

-all non-essential shops must close

-all leisure, including gyms, must close

-individuals can only meet one person from another household outdoors

-communal worship can continue with social distancing in place

-everyone should stay within their local area

-international travel is not allowed for those in Tier 4 areas outside exceptional circumstances.

The situation with regard to Christmas:

In Thurrock, only those in support bubbles can meet over Christmas now. There will be no relaxation of the rules to allow bubbles to meet as previously planned.