Posted on Saturday 31st October 2020
Residents are being reminded that new restrictions now apply across Staffordshire, as the county is now in the High Alert Level for COVID-19.
It is now illegal for people to meet socially indoors with another household, unless part of a ‘support bubble’. The new rules apply in both homes and public settings, such as pubs and restaurants.
The High Alert status will be reviewed in 14 days.
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“The continuing rise in cases is hugely concerning and the county is now above both the national and regional rates.
“Following the new rules is both our best and our last chance to bring the rate of cases down and prevent even further measures being imposed on both families and businesses.
“We are appealing for everyone to redouble their efforts as a huge collective effort is the only way we can reduce the spread of infection, continue to protect the vulnerable and keep Staffordshire businesses open and the people they employ in jobs.”
The Government’s three tier alerts are: Medium, High and Very High. Now Staffordshire has moved to High, there are additional laws on households mixing indoors. The Very High Alert would see even tougher restrictions, including some businesses being forced to close.
The current seven-day rate per 100,000 population in Staffordshire is 288 compared to a national figure rate of 225 and West Midlands rate of 238.
The county council is continuing to lobby Government for support for residents and businesses struggling during the pandemic, as well as support for wider efforts with partners to help contain the virus.
Dr Richard Harling, Director of Health and Care, said:
“Cases are rising rapidly across the whole of Staffordshire and limiting social contact between households indoors is the best chance now of stopping the spread of infection.
“People need to follow the new laws, but also remember the other key rules on washing your hands regularly, covering your face when needed, keeping your distance and sticking to the rule of six outdoors.”
The new restrictions for the High Alert Level mean:
- You must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them. This includes private homes, and any other indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants.
- You must not meet indoors with people in any other alert level, including those living in a lower alert level
- You may continue to see friends and family you do not live with outside, including in a garden or other outdoor space. When you do so, you must not meet in a group of more than six. The “Rule of Six” includes children of any age
- You can still travel to other areas, but you are advised to limit your trips as much as possible
- You should not visit relatives in care homes unless there are exceptional circumstances
You can find full details of the guidance on the gov.uk website.