New chapter of Covid challenge

WE’RE probably going into Tier 3, a sad situation, but it won’t be “lockdown” as we knew it, because many businesses and facilities will stay open, even if in a restricted way.

I thought the tier system was supposed to be easier to understand but Tier3 varies wherever you are, so whether it will be any clearer is anyone’s guess!

We had to wait 10 days before getting the Tier 2 restrictions we needed, when our number of infections was topping that dreaded national league table, and on the same day we were told we would probably be moving into Tier 3. It all seems a bit crazy.

I know that lots of people have gone into their own isolation mode, and that is understandable for people who are vulnerable because of another health condition or their age, but it means that lots of our businesses have been finding Tier 2 very difficult. One local restaurant owner told me he’d had the worst week of takings he could ever remember.

Lilian Greenwood got up in the House of Commons last week asking the Prime Minister if he was going to support a local brewery and pub chain through the crisis, so when the Chancellor got around to making an announcement that there will be some financial support coming, that was welcomed by everyone.

It’s nice to see some of our much-loved venues finding ways of operating in a safe way. Some of them thankfully received grants from the Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the crisis.

It would be great if they could stay open in Tier 3.

The Playhouse started live performances last week with Bubble, a topical drama. I spoke to someone who went, it all sounded very well managed, with lots of space between seats and you could order refreshments to your seat, or you could buy a ticket to watch it live at home. Cinemas are also open, even though James Bond won’t be coming just yet.

If you can afford it, there will be more to do during Tier 3 than we would have ever thought possible in March, but you won’t be able to go out and have a pint in the pub with your mate unless they’re in a bubble with you and you order a “substantial meal”.

And if you can’t afford it, well it’s good to hear that some of our local businesses are stepping up to help hungry children during half term. If you go into Sobar on Friar Lane and say “Is Marcus in?” they will provide a free lunch to a child and a hot drink to the parents. How lovely is that?

Keep safe!

■ Councillor Sally Longford is deputy leader of Nottingham City Council