In a statement, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons: “Earlier this week we brought in further measures in the North East, however in parts of Teesside and the North West of England cases continue to rise fast. “In Liverpool, the number of cases is 268 per 100,000 population, so together we need to act. Working with council leaders and the mayors, I’m today extending these measures that have been in the North East since the start of this week to the Liverpool city region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.