‘hull could be in tier 3 after end of lockdown’
COUNCIL LEADER’S WARNING
CITY council leader Steve Brady says the current second wave of the coronavirus in Hull is “more serious” than the first.
The number of Covid-positive patients at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital has nearly doubled over the past week with 108 people being treated.
Fifteen of those patients are currently being treated in intensive care.
With a second lockdown coming into force yesterday, Councillor Brady said: “I can’t emphasise strongly enough the need for every one of us to follow the national advice.
“The infection rates in Hull are at a critical level and increasing every day.
“It is essential that in the weeks and months ahead we adhere to the rules on minimising social mixing so that we can bring this number down.
“Our hospital and public services are under incredible pressure and if we cannot bring these rates down, we run the risk of them being completely overwhelmed.
I need to be clear in saying that the situation we are facing is even more serious than it was in the spring Steve Brady
“I need to be clear in saying that the situation we are facing is even more serious than it was in the spring.”
Hull had just been moved into the Tier 2 alert level last weekend when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the latest lockdown.
Cllr Brady said if people didn’t follow the lockdown rules, Hull “could end up in Tier 3” when the current restrictions are eased. He said: “If we all pull together again, do our bit to protect our loved ones and friends, I am hopeful that we can bring these infection rates down and avoid being put into the highest risk tier when the national restrictions come to an end.
“If we can do that, we might just be able to get to a better position by the end of the year and over the winter.
“I appreciate this will be incredibly difficult and we can only do it by understanding how serious the situation is and by pulling together.
“Increasing the restrictions on our daily lives is the last thing anyone wanted, but, with rates of infection in Hull increasing rapidly, and huge pressure building on our local health services, it is absolutely critical that we follow the new measures carefully and bring the virus under control.
“We appreciate the huge challenges this will cause for our residents and many of our businesses, some of which will have to close or have their operations restricted, adding to worries about job security, our economy and further limiting the essential contact we have with our families and friends.
“My message at this time is that Hull City Council will do all that we can to support you.”
The council’s 01482 300307 coronavirus helpline continues to operate offering advice and support on those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, shielding issues and information on test and trace payments.
Detailed information about business support and how to access it will also be made available by the council in the coming days.