A NATIONAL health body has given the reasons why Worcestershire has stayed in tier 2, when neighbouring Herefordshire has moved to the lowest tier 1.

Some have questioned the decision considering Herefordshire borders Wales, where infection rates are causing major concern.

One of the reasons given by Public Health England is that infections rates per 100,000 in Herefordshire is at 45 cases per 100,000, while in Worcestershire it has risen to 126.4.

This is a key factor used to determine which area a tier will fall in.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons on Thursday: “Rates in Herefordshire have come down to 45 in 100,000 and are falling, and we can therefore bring Herefordshire out of tier 2 and into tier 1.”

In a statement on each area, PHE says for Worcestershire: “Since the end of national restrictions, the situation in Worcestershire has remained stable.

READ MORE: Worcestershire to remain in Tier 2 for Christmas

“Case rates are broadly decreasing or remaining the same across Worcestershire and the overall case rate has decreased by 10 per cent or more over the last seven days in Redditch, Worcester and Malvern Hills.

"In the most recent few days the case rate is marginally increasing.

"The epidemiology indicators remain too high for de-escalation to Tier 1.

"De-escalating areas now will likely lead to rising case numbers, and risks areas being rapidly re-escalated at, or in advance of, the next review point.

"The number of daily Covid hospital admissions Worcestershire continues to rise.

"The daily Covid bed occupancy is below the national acute hospital average but continues to rise.”

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director for public health in Worcestershire said: “The tier categories are being reviewed by the government every two weeks.

"Worcestershire remains in tier 2. Many neighbouring areas are in Tier 3.

"Any increase in the number of new cases across Worcestershire is concerning and it is up to us all now to keep going with the good work, by social distancing, by wearing a face covering, by washing our hands regularly and limiting our contacts.

"We need to continue to follow the rules and take care over the Christmas period.”