Meadowhall trips could be off the agenda after Sheffield Covid crackdown
HOW SOUTH YORKSHIRE GOING INTO TIER 3 WILL IMPACT ON OUR REGION ...
SOUTH Yorkshire will move into Tier 3 of coronavirus restrictions and it could affect many people’s plans in northern Lincolnshire.
The Mayor of the Sheffield City region, which includes Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley, confirmed the area would be placed in the ‘very high’ risk category from midnight on Saturday morning.
Shortly after the announcement, Dan Jarvis issued a detailed statement on South Yorkshire entering tier three restrictions.
He said: “We all recognise the gravity of the situation and have taken the responsible route to ensure we save lives and livelihoods, and protect our NHS.
“More older people are contracting the virus. The number of people with Covid in our hospitals has doubled over the last 10 days, with no signs this will relent over the coming weeks. Inaction was not an option.“
He said the measures, which will cover around 1.4 million people, were confirmed after he and council leaders were able to secure a £41 million support package from the Government.
But with northern Lincolnshire, which remains in Tier 1, bordering the Doncaster and Sheffield area, it is the closest to have the highest level of restrictions yet and it could impact those who plan to travel in and out of the region over the next month and potentially beyond. The Tier 3 measures are the strictest in place in England and include rules on movement in and out of the affected area.
Among the restrictions is an advisory for people “not to travel into or out of tier three areas, other than for work, education, youth services or because of caring responsibilities”.
This means while those who commute to South Yorkshire from northern Lincolnshire are permitted to continue with their routines, anyone planning a shopping trip there in the next few weeks is advised against doing so though it is not illegal. Should the measures go on for more than a month, Christmas shopping trips to places such as Meadowhall may be off the agenda.
This is particularly the case for those who would do so with friends as, though retail is allowed to remain open along with restaurants, meeting in these settings with anyone outside your household is banned in Tier 3 areas. It could also affect businesses in our area with those in South Yorkshire advised to not travel outside of their region.
The rules in the Tier 3 area include: You are not allowed to meet socially with anybody who is not part of your household, or support bubble, indoors. You cannot meet in private or pub gardens, but can meet in parks, beaches, countryside or forests, as long as you are not in a group of more than six.
Pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals. Alcohol can only be served as part of a meal. People are advised not to travel into or out of tier three areas, other than for work, education, youth services or because of caring responsibilities. Though in tier three areas should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, and others should avoid staying overnight in the Very High alert area. Casinos, bingo halls and betting shops, adult gaming centres and soft play areas have closed in all tier three areas.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed the measures will be in place for an initial 28 days before being reviewed.
He tweeted: “I fully recognise the huge impact this will have on communities in the area and the sacrifices people will be making. That’s why we have agreed an extensive package of support for local people, businesses and councils.”