‘Do more to help bring case numbers down’

PEOPLE across North Somerset are being urged to do more to help bring the district into a lower tier of restrictions.

The area is due to go into Tier 3 when lockdown ends next week.

Cases of coronavirus across the district, which has a population of just over 200,000, have started to fall in recent days. The rate now stands at 214.4 per 100,000 population compared to the England average of 218 per 100,000 and the south west rate of 149.

Although figures are heading in the right direction, council leaders are urging people to do more in a bid to bring case numbers down further.

North Somerset Council’s executive member for health, Mike Bell, said: “No one wants to be in the situation of having to continue tough restrictions in North Somerset.

“This lockdown has put a significant strain on many parts of our community, especially those who need to take extra care during Covid and our hospitality sector, and the decision to keep us in a high level of alert means these difficulties are not yet at an end.

“But what we are doing is working.

“Our case rates are coming down. If we keep doing what we’re doing we can move down the tiers and have more normality, as fast as possible.”

North Somerset’s director of public health, Matt Lenny, said: “I understand it is challenging to keep going but we have the power to reduce the impact of this virus if we follow the same basic advice.

“Washing our hands as much as possible, wearing a face covering if we can, and keeping at least two metres away from anyone who is not part of our household or support bubble, are still the most important things any one of us can do in the fight against the virus.

“It is also very important that anyone who needs to get a test should request one as quickly as possible and if you are symptomatic or a contact of a case, please follow the guidance on self-isolation to prevent others being put at risk.”

North Somerset Council executive member for business Mark Canniford said: “December would normally be the busiest time of the year for our hospitality sector so it’s crucial that those who can’t trade normally get the support that’s available.

“I’d also encourage those of us who can to support them and all our local traders as much as possible over the Christmas period. Shop local and help make sure our businesses can survive into 2021.”

More information about business support can be found at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport.