The government have released the reasons behind the move of Milton Keynes from Tier 2 to Tier 3 this Saturday.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced earlier today that Milton Keynes will face the new toughest measures from 12.01am this coming Saturday morning.
Milton Keynes has been considered for the move as part of a review of the 'Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes' grouping of authorities.
In a statement about the move, the government said: "Since the end of national restrictions, the situation in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has deteriorated and overall case rates are increasing."
"Case rates remain greater than 150 per 100,000 population in all four local authorities in the area and are over 200 per 100,000 in Luton and Milton Keynes."
"The case rates in the most recent few days shows rapid increases in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, and a very high rate in Luton."
"Case rates in people aged over 60 remain above 100 per 100,000 and are increasing in Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes."
"Positivity is increasing across all four local authorities "
"The rate of increase of the epidemiology indicators is concerning and warrants escalation to Tier 3."
"The number of daily Covid hospital admissions in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes STP continues to rise."
"The daily Covid bed occupancy is above the national acute hospital average and continues to rise."
"The proportion of critical care beds or beds with mechanical ventilation occupied by Covid patients remains high."
