HEALTH Secretary Matt Hancock has told residents under new restrictions they should "respect the rules" to reduce the rates of coronavirus transmission.

The new restrictions will come into force on Tuesday in St Helens, as well as the rest of Merseyside, Halton, and Lancashire, excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester.

The rate of coronavirus has surged in St Helens over the past week and there are concerns hospital admissions will spiral if there is transmission to more vulnerable people.

People must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens.

There has been a mixed reaction online, with many voicing frustrations that their freedoms are being restricted.

Others feel the move is necessary to prevent a second wave of the virus.

READ> These are the new coronavirus restrictions for St Helens

Meanwhile, hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only and late-night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 10pm and 5am.

Announcing the restrictions this afternoon, Mr Hancock said: "We are seeing cases of coronavirus rise fast in Lancashire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Warrington, Halton and Wolverhampton.

"Local leaders in these areas have asked for stronger restrictions to be put in place to protect local people, and we are acting decisively to support them.

"I know these restrictions will make every-day life harder for many, but I know that residents will work together and respect the rules so we can reduce rates of transmission.

"I urge local people to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms, follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace, and always remember ‘hands, face, space’.

"By sticking to these steps, we will get through this together.”