BARNSLEY will be moved into Tier Three of lockdown measures following talks by local leaders and the government.

The whole of South Yorkshire will be placed on 'very high' alert level after the region has seen a spike in coronavirus cases.

In Barnsley around 875 people are becoming infected with the virus each week – according to figures released by Barnsley Council.

Leaders agreed a funding package of £41m to be given to the area to help support industries and local economies. A total of £30m of this will be allocated to support businesses and £11m will help deliver test and trace.

The new restrictions mean:

  • People must not socialise with anybody they do not live with or have formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting or in any private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events

  • People must not socialise in a group of more than six in an outdoor public space such as a park or beach, the countryside, a public garden or a sports venue

  • All pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals

  • People should try to avoid travelling outside the very high alert level or entering a very high alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities or to travel through as part of a longer journey

  • Residents should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, and others should avoid staying overnight in the very high alert area

Barnsley Central MP, and Sheffield City Region MP, Dan Jarvis said: “We all recognise the gravity of the situation and have taken the responsible route to ensure we save lives and livelihoods, and protect our NHS.

“More older people are contracting the virus. The number of people with Covid in our hospitals has doubled over the last ten days, with no signs this will relent over the coming weeks. Inaction was not an option.

“While infection rates vary across South Yorkshire, collective action was the only practical choice to keep everyone in our region safe. If restrictions are effective, individual local authorities will be able to move to lower alert levels as soon as it is safe to do so, in consultation with fellow local leaders, myself and national government.

“However, to reach that point as quickly as possible, it’s critical people in South Yorkshire follow the new restrictions as soon as they are in place.

“I want to thank everyone in the region for their perseverance. The character and grit of people in South Yorkshire will be needed in abundance to help us get through what will be an incredibly challenging period.”

Betting shops, adult gaming centres, casinos and soft play areas will also close under the new restrictions.

Gym classes will not be allowed but gyms will remain open with social distancing guidelines in place.

The restrictions will come into effect at 12.01am on Saturday, October 24.