IT seems that Eastbourne is all set for Tier 4, probably as early as Boxing Day.
The new variant has doubled the number of cases in a week, with another 36,804 new infections recorded yesterday, and 691 deaths.
East Sussex has been hit badly, including figures for Eastbourne showing a steep rise.
Government officials are looking at plans for a third lockdown across the whole of England in January as the new coronavirus strain – thought to be up to 70 per cent more infectious – spread to the South West, Midlands and the North.
An announcement from Boris Johnson could come as soon as today, with Whitehall sources saying there was a ‘high chance’ of a New Year lockdown.
Decisions are set to be made at a meeting this morning with boroughs next to Tier 4 areas and those with increasing rates facing the likelihood of stricter measures come Boxing Day.