"Regardless of what tier we are in, please do everything we can to minimise social contact with people outside our household or immediate support bubble this New Year’s Eve,” urges the Director of Public Health Devon.

Current restrictions in Devon allow no one, outside their household or support bubble, to meet indoors.

Up to six people can meet outdoors, which includes children of any age, but with positive cases continuing to rise across Devon, “please do not take the risk,” says Steve Brown.

“Contact is how the virus spreads. The latest variant is extremely good at passing between people, and although there is no evidence that it is any worse for you than the first variant, the fact that it spreads so much more efficiently, the likelihood of it reaching people who are most vulnerable to it are so much greater.

“Whatever your plans are for New Year’s Eve, please if you can, stay home, stay safe and keep your families and friends safe.”

The message comes as the latest data shows case numbers rising in Devon.

“It is too soon to see what impact the relaxation of restrictions on Christmas Day will have on our case numbers, but I expect we will see a rise as a consequence. That’s why I am asking, regardless of our tier restrictions, please let’s not give the virus the opportunities it needs to spread. ”