Bucks could come out of Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions before Christmas, new figures have suggested.

A graph released by Public Health England shows which areas are nearest the thresholds which would allow them to either move up or down a tier.

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There are five main factors which determine the restrictions in place in each area:

  • case detection rate for all ages
  • case detection rate for over 60s
  • the rate cases are rising or falling
  • percentage of tests taken which are positive
  • pressure on the NHS, primarily occupancy

Going by the above criteria, Buckinghamshire could be in line to change back to Tier 1 before Christmas, according to the latest data.

It is close to the Tier 2 threshold, along with neighbouring Oxfordshire.

Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme earlier this week, communities secretary Robert Jenrick said that areas could well change tiers before Christmas, with all areas reviewed every two weeks.

It comes after, in an email to Bucks residents on November 27, Buckinghamshire Council leader Martin Tett said he was disappointed the county had been placed in Tier 2 from Tier 1 after the second national lockdown.

He added: “I am determined that Buckinghamshire should set itself the objective of returning to Tier 1 as soon as possible.

“This goal is important, not just for our own personal freedoms but also to protect our businesses, economy and jobs.

“Therefore, it is really important that I ask you to observe the new rules and let’s work together across Buckinghamshire to reach Tier 1 as soon as possible.”

The latest figures across the county show cases are starting to fall, with the number of cases per 100,000 at 119.5 today (December 4) – down from 125.7 at the time of Mr Tett’s email.