BARNSLEY will remain in their three restrictions, as most of the country is placed in tier four restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday (December 30) that the country would move into tier three and tier four restrictions as cases of the virus continue to rise.

In Barnsley, reported coronavirus cases have risen from 180.7 per 100,000 people to 205.8 but director for health, Julia Burrows warned that Barnsley could move into tier four due to rising cases and the new ‘super strain’.

She said: “We’ve seen in other parts of the country that a new form of the virus is on the rise so it’s fair to assume another spell of lockdown will take hold locally.

“There is still cause for optimism - vaccines are here, they’re being rolled out and they’re most definitely reason to feel happier about next year’s outlook.”

Under tier three restrictions, non-essential shops will remain open, but cafes and restaurants will be open for take-away only.

Indoor play centres, casinos, bowling alleys and indoor skating rinks will also remain closed.

Barnsley was placed into tier three restrictions after the second national lockdown ended on December 2 and will continue until mid-January.