Council leaders unite to agree move to Tier Three
BUSINESS LEADERS CALL FOR CLEAR ‘EXIT STRATEGY’ FROM RESTRICTIONS
COUNCIL leaders in Nottingham, Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe released a joint statement as their areas are set to move to Tier Three Covid-19 restrictions.
The new measures, aimed at slowing the spread of the virus, come into force from one minute past midnight tomorrow, following crunch discussions with the Government. The councils said the new measures would expire in 28 days and would be “closely monitored”. A single package of measures across these specific areas was due to be formally today, agreed to achieve a “sustained reduction in infection rates”, especially to help protect vulnerable residents, the NHS and social care services.
A package of support similar to those secured in other parts of the country has been agreed to help residents and businesses who will be hit by the new restrictions.
Going into Tier Three means pubs and bars have to close unless they serve meals while households are banned from mixing indoors or in private gardens and beer gardens. Other restrictions such as on hair salons or gyms closing have not yet been announced by the Government. Councillor Simon Robinson, leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: “We know we are asking residents and businesses to make ever more sacrifices, but they are necessary to ensure we can restrict transmission of Covid-19 and protect lives. “The full measures will be outlined as soon as possible. Please play your part to stop the spread of the virus.” Councillor Milan Radulovic, leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, told the Post: “I think it is the right decision and the right decision is to balance the need of the local economy for shops and businesses to function but drive down the number of infections among the 60-plus and protect the NHS being overwhelmed.”
On Monday, Warrington also joined the Tier Three list as well as South Yorkshire at the weekend following Liverpool, Greater Manchester and Lancashire coming under the highest tier of controls. Business leaders quickly called for clear guidance on what support would be made available to those affected by the new restrictions. East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire,
Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We urge the Government and those local authorities impacted to ensure they provide clear communication to businesses between now and Thursday about what they need to do, as well as highlighting the support available to them and how it can be accessed.
“While we understand the public health reasons for this decision, it will have a significantly detrimental impact on people’s lives in the areas affected, so it is vitally important the Government is also transparent in what the exit strategy is.
“Businesses and communities must be aware of which tests must be passed, and when, in order for the area to come out of Tier Three lockdown. This situation can’t be allowed to continue for any longer than is absolutely necessary.”
We know we are asking residents and businesses to make ever more sacrifices. Simon Robinson (pictured)