By Council responds to Tier 3 announcement
The Leader of North Lincolnshire Council has reacted to the ‘disappointing’ news the area is to be placed at the very high local alert level (Tier 3).
The national restrictions implemented to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 will end next week and North Lincolnshire will, on December 2, move into Tier 3.
Pubs, restaurants and bars will remain closed, with the exception of sales by take-away, drive-through or delivery. Retail, leisure and gyms will re-open, so too personal care, such as barbers and hairdressers.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are beginning to see the impact of the national restrictions upon the rate of infection across North Lincolnshire – clearly people from across the region have taken the advice and stuck to the rules, despite the significant burden that has placed upon their day to day lives.
“Despite these significant efforts we have not dropped sufficiently to see us avoid Tier 3. While that is certainly disappointing, and will mean the impact of certain restrictions will be felt by many businesses across the area, we are heading in the right direction.”
He continued: “With a two week review period built in to the tiering system, if everyone keeps up the effort now, sticks to the preventative measures, looks out for their friends, family and neighbours then they help us and public health officials make the argument for dropping tier levels much easier going forward.”
Jilla Burgess Allen, senior consultant in public health, said: “Tier 3 is not where we wanted to be however the rate of infection across North Lincolnshire is still far too high and these restrictive measures are realistically what we need locally to make sure we reduce the spread further.
“By working hard to suppress the spread we can protect ourselves, our families and importantly the most vulnerable people in our community.”
She added: “The rate is falling, even if just marginally at this point, and I would urge people to stick to the preventative measures and help move through the tier levels so those restrictions can be lifted.”
Matt Hancock, making the announcement in Parliament, thanked people for their “shared sacrifice” and “resolve” so far – saying this means there is no need to renew nationwide measures in England.
The Health Secretary said that with 16,570 people in hospital across the UK and 696 deaths reported yesterday, “we cannot simply flick a switch” and have life return back to normal.
