NORTHUMBERLAND will be placed in Tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions from midnight tonight, it has been announced by the Health Secretary. It joins the rest of the North-East, and comes a following a rapid increase in coronavirus infections nationally and locally. People in the county now cannot leave their home without a reasonable excuse for doing so, all non-essential shops must now close and all hospitality venues including cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants must close, except for the purposes of providing food and drink for takeaway only. Indoor leisure and sports facilities must close, as must entertainment venues such as theatres, cinemas and museums. Personal care services must also close.