Stoke-on-Trent and Coventry have moved into the tier two category to tackle rising coronavirus cases.

Restrictions came into force at 00:01 BST on Saturday. Slough has also moved into the tier two "high" category.

The restrictions in tier two mean households can no longer mix indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.

‘If people try to find ways round it, loopholes. It won’t succeed.’

The message from @PEdmondsonJones on @BBCRadioStoke this morning as T2 comes into force from tomorrow in Stoke-on-Trent. https://t.co/HqBWzPMWs8

— Sophie Calvert (@SOPH_C_) October 23, 2020

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced Stoke-on-Trent would move up a tier on Thursday, while Coventry announced the same move earlier in the week.

However, there are exemptions for childcare and support bubbles.

Michelle Swift runs Swifty's, a micro pub in Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, which she has to temporarily close due to the new restrictions.

"When we first opened we were limited to the rule of six, we could work with that," she said.

"It wasn't the same as what it used to be but it was manageable."

Now she can only have seven tables, which, if customers come alone, could mean just seven customers.

"It just doesn't make sense. We're near the border with Staffordshire County Council so you can go a mile up the road and you can sit with your friends in another pub," she said.