NEW restrictions will fall on Cumbria from tomorrow after the Government announced the county was being moved into the fourth tier of coronavirus restrictions.

The changes follow a Government review of local Covid-19 restrictions across England.

Tier 4 restrictions will apply to three-quarters of England's population, including Cumbria residents, from tomorrow.

According to the gov.uk website, those in Tier 4 areas cannot leave their homes without a 'reasonable excuse'.

A 'reasonable excuse' includes:

- Work or volunteering.

- 'Essential activities' such as food shopping or obtaining services from businesses permitted to remain open. However, people should 'stay local' for these activities.

- People may leave their homes to fulfil legal obligations or to carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting residential properties.

- For the purposes of education and childcare.

The guidance states: "In general, you must not meet socially or carry out any activities with another person.

"However, you can exercise or meet in a public outdoor place with people you live with, your support bubble (or as part of a childcare bubble), or with one other person.

"You should minimise time spent outside your home.

"When around other people, stay two metres apart from anyone not in your household – meaning the people you live with – or your support bubble. Where this is not possible, stay one metre apart with extra precautions (for example, wearing a face covering)."

People must not leave Tier 4 areas other than for legally permitted reasons such as travelling to work where they cannot work from home.

All non-essential shops must close, as must all hospitality venues, except for the purposes of providing food and drink to take away.

Schools and colleges will remain open.

The Tier system is reviewed every two weeks.

Visit gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home for more information.