THE Dorset Council area has entered tougher Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions - in moves which business bosses have called 'unfair and upsetting' for the hospitality industry that had been preparing for New Year's Eve.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has entered Tier 4.

The news was announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday during a speech to the House of Commons.

Mr Hancock said the new strain of the virus has spread fast throughout the UK, putting pressure on the NHS.

The whole of the county – both Dorset Council and BCP areas – had been in Tier 2 since the national lockdown ended on December 2.

In Tier 3 people must not mix indoors or outdoors in hospitality venues or private gardens, while the rule of six applies in outdoor public spaces. Restaurants, cafes and bars must also close and can only provide a takeaway service.

People are asked to work from home if possible, although are still allowed to travel for reasons such as work, education, medical attention or if they have caring responsibilities.

Craig Oakes, President of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: "Personally, I was quite optimistic we might slip through the net, bearing in mind cases are still some of the lowest in the country down here but unfortunately not.

“I know the announcement won’t come as a huge surprise to businesses, but they will be disappointed they cannot operate over New Year’s Eve.

“I feel that this last-minute approach where restaurants and pubs were gearing up to do New Year’s Eve and then pulling the rug from under them at the last minute is unfair and upsetting.

“The only thing we can hope for is for the newly approved Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine being more readily available will make things better moving forward.

“The resilience and adaptability of the businesses in the Weymouth and Portland area have been amazing and it has been fantastic to see the community pull together and do their best the whole way through this pandemic.

“It probably is the right decision bearing in mind that DCH covers a wide area and if it were to get overrun it would be a disaster. It is the right decision to close but it is not the decision anyone wanted.”

Health bosses said Covid cases in the area had 'risen rapidly' and that Tier 2 measures were not enough to stop the virus spreading.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset said: “Our infection rates have risen in people over the age of 60 which is putting increased pressure on already stretched NHS services. Making sacrifices now means we could prevent an even larger spike in January.

“It is essential, now more than ever that everyone follows the rules for Tier 3 to help drive infections down. Until the vaccine is rolled out wider, we must do all we can to supress the virus by staying at home as much as possible. Remember; hands, face, space and ventilating your home are simple measures we can all do that will make a difference.”

Councillor Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council said: “With case numbers rising rapidly, further action now will help to contain the spread of the virus here in Dorset. I’m afraid there’s no room for complacency here, we all need to continue to play our part to protect people’s lives and our NHS.

“As ever, I’d like to thank people for all they are doing as a very difficult and unprecedented year draws to a close. I know moving into Tier 3 will be hard for many residents and local businesses but, with the vaccine now being rolled out, I sincerely hope it won’t be too long before we can return to some form of normality.”