EALING, along with the rest of London is set to enter Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions on Wednesday, December 16.

Tier 3 is the very high alert category and means pubs and restaurants will only be able to offer takeaway or delivery services.

Residents won't be able to meet outdoors with people not in their households or support bubbles.

But shops which had to close for the November lockdown because they were deemed "non-essential" including hairdressers will be able to remain open.

BBC News political reporter Helen Catt tweeted just before 3pm today: "MPs on a call with Health Secretary Matt Hancock have been told London, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will go into Tier 3 at 00.01 on Wednesday."

Ealing Central and Acton MP, Rupa Huq referred to the announcement on Twitter as the 'worst kept secret ever confirmed'.

The Labour MP also tweeted about the fact that Ealing has made progress, dropping from the borough with the most coronavirus cases to 20th last week.

The following rules will apply:

• Households will not be allowed to mix indoors or outdoors in private gardens or hospitality venues.
• The 'Rule of Six' will apply outdoors in public spaces.
• Pubs and restaurants will be closed except for takeaway and delivery.
• Indoor entertainment venues will be closed, only drive-in events allowed.
• Guidance against travelling outside the area
• Schools will remain open.
• Weddings and Civil Ceremonies allowed 15 guests, but receptions not allowed.
• Up to 30 people allowed at funerals.
• Outdoor sport can continue; indoor sport is only permissible with members of one household.

Virus mutates

Speaking in the House of Commons, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said 1,000 cases of a "new variant" of COVID-19 have been identified, mostly in southern parts of England.

He said: "We have identified a new variant of coronavirus, which may be associated with the fastest spread in the south-east of England.

"Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants."

This new strain is not thought to be more serious and it should still be possible to vaccinate against, Mr Hancock added.