Decisions approach around Covid-19 restrictions on the Scottish Border and a region of Cumbria.

Health leaders in Barrow have asked the UK Government to keep Barrow in Furness under tier 2 restrictions for now although the rate is falling.

Local health leaders want to see the R-rate below the England average before the restrictions are lifted.

An announcement about ongoing tier 2 restrictions is expected later today.

Meanwhile, chairman of Cumbria Local Resilience Forum has said he is impressed with how residents of Barrow have handled the new rules.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce tier 2 restrictions in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders today.

In effect lockdown restrictions would remain the same but alcohol may be served indoors again alongside a meal before 8pm.

The First Minister hopes that a concerted effort to lower the transmission rate will allow the nation to enjoy more normality over the Christmas period.