Reading has been placed in tier 3, after cases soared in the last few weeks, with the whole of Berkshire going into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions.

The new Covid measures will come in from Saturday, December 19, at 00:01.

Covid cases have spiked in Reading and the rest of Berkshire following the end of the second lockdown and are currently at their highest level since the beginning of the pandemic.

READ MORE: Council leader responds to Reading entering Tier 3 restrictions

The Covid case rate in Reading now stands at 222 cases per 100,000 in the last seven days with available data (December 6-12).

Reacting to the news, Councillor Jason Brock, leader of the council, said: "It is now more important than ever we all stick to the guidelines in what is a critical time in the run up to possibly visiting elderly or vulnerable family when restrictions are currently planned to be temporarily lifted for five days over the Christmas period."

Matt Hancock, announcing the tier changes, said: “As we enter the coldest months we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control.

“We must keep suppressing the virus. We have come so far. We mustn’t blow it now.

“The best way for everyone to get out tier restrictions is to pull together.”

READ MORE: Live updates and reaction as new coronavirus tiers announced for Berkshire

David Munday, who is Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) Public Health Consultant, said there is no single explanation as to why the numbers are increasing in Reading.

He added: “There is general on-going community transmission with a limited number of outbreaks which have been managed appropriately.

“We have seen an increase across all age groups in Reading.”

As well as Berkshire, the following areas have been placed in tier 3:

Buckinghamshire

Peterborough

The whole of Hertfordshire

Surrey, except Waverley

Hastings and Rother

Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant

What will change?

Moving into tier 3, means bars, restaurants and café’s must stay closed, except for delivery or takeaway.

People in Reading were already not permitted to mix households indoors under Tier 2 restrictions, but, from we cannot mix indoors, in private gardens or in most outdoor venues, except with your own household or bubble.

However, we can meet in a group of up to six from other households in public outdoor spaces, such as parks.

People are asked not to travel from a Tier 3 area into a Tier 2 unless it is an essential journey such as going to work when you can’t do your job for home.

It also means no fans wil be allowed at The Madejski for Reading FC games.