Time for us to go into Tier 2

STAFFORDSHIRE AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE MOVE INTO STATE OF HIGH ALERT FROM A MINUTE PAST MIDNIGHT,

STAFFORDSHIRE and South Derbyshire are moving into Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions from tomorrow, it has been announced.

The area, including Burton and Swadlincote, will move from medium alert to high level alert from a minute past midnight on Saturday morning.

MP Kate Griffiths, who represents Burton and Uttoxeter, said yesterday that the Secretary of State for Health had confirmed the move to Tier 2 following the increase in new coronavirus cases.

The Tory MP said: “I have now had it officially confirmed that Burton and Uttoxeter, along with the rest of Staffordshire, will be entering Tier 2 at 00.01 on Saturday.”

It was later confirmed that South Derbyshire would also be moving to Tier 2 following discussions with local leaders.

As well as South Derbyshire, Amber Valley, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, Derby City, and the whole of High Peak in the county will move into the higher level.

The measures will be reviewed every 14 days to consider whether they are still appropriate.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We continue to see a worrying rise in cases right across the country, and it is clear decisive action is needed.

“We have agreed with local leaders to move more areas into the High Local Covid Alert Level this week.

“These restrictions are challenging for us all, but it is only by working together and following the rules that we will bring down the rates of infection. A failure to act now will only lead to longer disruption and greater economic damage.

“I want to thank everyone who is playing their part to break the chains of transmission across the country. We will beat this virus, but we must stick together as we enter the winter months.”

The rules for the high alert level include a ban on households mixing in any indoor setting, but people are still able to meet outdoors as long as there are no more than six people present.

They also include guidance on travel both within and outside of the county - which could be needed for a variety of reasons.

But what do the rules say about such travel? We’ve answered some of the most common questions below.

Am I allowed to leave Staffordshire or South Derbyshire under Tier 2?

You are allowed to leave the are for essential reasons such as work, volunteering, and charitable or youth services, but these journeys should be kept to a minimum.

People are discouraged from taking trips outside of the county for the purposes of socialising as those who live within a Tier 2 area are not allowed to mix with other households indoors.

Technically you can see people in Tier 1 in a garden, park or outdoors, although it would be a breach to stay overnight with friends and family in a Tier 1 area or gather inside with them.

Basically, you should adopt the rules of your tier depending on where you live.

What are the rules of going on holiday?

You are still allowed to go on holiday outside of your area but such trips

should only be taken with members of your own household or support bubble.

Those who are planning to travel abroad should make sure they have the latest guidance from the Government, as restrictions on international travel frequently change.

Can I travel to ‘very high’ Tier 3 areas?

No, if you live within a Tier 2 area, you are not allowed to travel to a Tier 3 area. Such areas are considered ‘very high’ risk.

The general rule is that people should not travel to areas where the risk is higher than where they live, except for essential trips.

Can I still visit shops, restaurants, pubs and places of worship?

These venues are allowed to host more people than inside or outside homes, however, they must stick to Covid-secure guidance.

No one is allowed to mix indoors in these venues with anyone they do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, unless exemptions apply, according to the Government website. Outdoors, you can still meet with people in groups of up to six people.

These rules apply in pubs and restaurants, shops, leisure and entertainment venues, and places of worship.

At least one person in your group should give their contact details to the venue or check in using the official NHS Covid-19 app so NHS Test and Trace can contact you if needed.

Can I still go to work?

Office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter.

Where an employer, in consultation with their employee, judges an employee can carry out their normal duties from home they should do so.

Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work where necessary. Anyone else who cannot work from home should go to their place of work.

Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk. Those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable can go to work as long as the workplace is Covid-secure, but should carry on working from home wherever possible.