Posted on Thursday 17th December 2020
Staffordshire is to remain in the Level 3 Very High Tier for Covid-19, the Government has confirmed today.
This means that many hospitality businesses will remain shut or see trade limited over the festive period.
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“While it is bitterly disappointing for this county to still face the toughest restrictions, today’s confirmation was not unexpected as we have seen cases start to creep up once again.
“The start of the roll out of both the vaccine and of our targeted community testing programme, for people without symptoms in identified Covid hotspots, promises to protect more people and break the chain of infection.
“However, it will be many months before the full benefits are known. It is therefore important that we all stick to the rules if we are to protect more lives and livelihoods in the coming months and persuade Government to ease the restrictions placed on Staffordshire.”
The average seven-day Covid rate in Staffordshire is currently 212.4 per 100,000 population, higher than the West Midlands rate of 185.3, but now lower than the England rate of 216.8. The rate in East Staffordshire is more than 300 per 100,000 population.
Secretary of State Matt Hancock announced that from Saturday most of the East and South East of England will move to Tier 3. Bristol and North Somerset will move from Tier 3 to Tier 2. Herefordshire will move from Tier 2 to Tier 1. The next review is expected in 14 days.
The county council has pledged to work with the Government to get the best financial deal for affected businesses and to get restrictions lifted as quickly as possible.
The Very High Alert Level means:
- No mixing anywhere indoors with other households, unless part of your support bubble
- Up to six people can meet in outdoor public places, but not in private gardens
- Hospitality, such as pubs and restaurants to stay shut, apart for takeaways and drive-through services
- Gyms and non-essential shops to stay open
- Work from home if you can, avoid non-essential travel and no overnight stays outside the area
- Wedding receptions banned
There will be easing of some restrictions for meeting friends and family from December 23 to December 27. Full details of all restrictions can be found on www.gov.uk
Staffordshire is also one of 67 local authorities to take part in the roll out of rapid testing for people without symptoms – with up to 10 per cent of the population eventually set to be tested every week. Today the Secretary of State praised the county for its work in rolling out the testing
Dr Richard Harling, Director of Health and Care, said:
“If you live in a Covid hotspot then please do take part in our community testing programme for people without symptoms.
“Identifying more people who have the virus, so they can self-isolate, will help us reduce the spread of infection
“We also all need to remember the basics of: Washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering and keeping our distance. All are simple steps, which together can make all the difference.”