Responding to health and social care secretary Matt Hancock's statement on English tier changes, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

"We recognise these are difficult judgements with real consequences for peoples' livelihoods and wellbeing, but trust leaders will welcome the government's decision to move a significant number of further areas where COVID-19 infection rates are rising to Tier 3 from Saturday.

"It is also appropriate that there is no change to restrictions for the vast majority of current Tier 3 areas. Yesterday we voiced the concerns of trusts in the north of the country that they may be about to leave the highest level of restrictions prematurely. The government has made the right call, potentially saving many lives.

"It is now more important than ever that we all play our part in curbing the spread of the virus. There simply isn't room to let up yet, despite the excellent early progress the NHS has made in vaccinating the nation.

COVID hospital admission data shows that 21% more people were admitted to hospital for COVID-19 this week than the week before.

"COVID hospital admission data shows that 21% more people were admitted to hospital for COVID-19 this week than the week before, and the weekly winter data published today shows that localised pressures are, worryingly, continuing to rise rapidly in a number of areas.

"There has been a lot of focus on the link between infection rates and NHS capacity. That ignores the basic fact that the main reason for cutting infection rates is to minimise patient harm and unnecessary deaths, as Matt Hancock reinforced again in his statement today. That's why it's really important everyone observes the rules for their area and thinks carefully about their plans for the festive period."