Devon will move into the Tier 3 level of coronavirus restrictions from midnight tonight (Wednesday, December 30) as part of national measures to control the spread of coronavirus.

One of the main changes from the current lower level, Tier 2, is that bars, pubs and restaurants must close, offering only takeaway, drive-through or delivery services.

In Tier 2 they were allowed to operate as restaurants, serving alcohol only with substantial meals.

Under Tier 3 hotels and other accommodation providers must also close, with limited exceptions.

Shops and personal care businesses such as hairdressers can remain open, with Covid precautions in place.

No households – apart from support bubbles – are allowed to mix indoors or in most outdoor places. A maximum of six – who can be from different households – can meet in some public places such as parks and public gardens.

Indoor sports and leisure venues can stay open but group activities and classes are not allowed. Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and theatres must close.

Weddings may take place with up to 15 guests, but receptions must not be held. Funerals may take place with up to 30 attendees.

For a full list of the Tier 3 restrictions, and the exceptions that apply in certain cases, visit the Government's website.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon (Designate) said:

"Cases in Devon, while we have been in Tier 2, have been rising in all age groups, as per the national trend.

"Without further intervention with tighter restrictions, we are likely to have seen cases continuing to rise, and therefore I feel this announcement was inevitable.

"The decision has been made to place us into Tier 3 and what is important now is we do everything we can to adhere to these tighter restrictions to help bring down cases in Devon

"We will have heard the welcome news today that a second vaccine has been approved for use from early January, but we cannot sit back and relax on the strength of that.

"Please keep up the effort, and remember the key messages, to social distance, wear your face coverings when in a public space where social distancing is not possible, and wash your hands properly and regularly."