Whole county goes into Tier 3 from midnight

GOVERNMENT CRITICISED OVER DELAYS AND LACK OF CLARITY

ALL areas of Nottinghamshire will enter Tier 3 restrictions after midnight tonight.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed last night the whole county will now be included under Tier 3 following a meeting between North Nottinghamshire leaders and the Government.

The new measures will officially take effect at 00.01am on Friday, October 30.

Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, Nottingham and Rushcliffe will all move from local covid alert level “high” to “very high”.

All hospitality venues will be forced to close, unless they serve substantial meals, and people will no longer be allowed to socialise with anyone outside of their household or bubble.

Alcohol sales will also be prohibited after 9pm in shops - but can continue to be consumed in hospitality venues until the 10pm curfew.

Gyms and hairdressers will be allowed to stay open. Tattoo parlours, tanning and nail salons, and piercing services must close.

Indoor entertainment and tourism venues must close, except for ice skating rinks, cinemas, concert halls and theatres.

Hotels and other accommodation can stay open.

Betting shops, car boot sales and auction houses will also be made to close.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We have seen infection rates rising sharply across Nottinghamshire, and in close collaboration with local leaders we have agreed on a package of local measures to stop this virus in its tracks.

“I understand how difficult life is

under these restrictions and the impact they have on families and businesses, but we never take these decisions lightly.

“I want to thank local leaders for their continued support, and to extend my gratitude to the people of Nottinghamshire who have shown real resilience, consistently working together to follow the rules and help bring down rates of infection.

“Everyone has a part to play in controlling the virus - remember Hands, Face, Space - self-isolate and get tested if you have symptoms and follow the rules where you live.”

Council leaders from across Nottinghamshire have criticised the Government’s delay in imposing the restrictions, as talks have been ongoing for a number of days.

MP for Nottingham South Lilian Greenwood accused the Government of treating the county with “contempt”.

Councillor David Mellen, the leader of Nottingham City Council, said in a statement earlier: “Unacceptable delay in Government confirmation of Nottingham’s Tier 3 details.

“Nottingham people and businesses deserve clarity in difficult times. This is not good enough for our city.”

Minister of State Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP said: “I would like to thank the local leaders in Nottinghamshire for entering into productive discussions and coming to an agreement as quickly as possible.

“We are very conscious that these new restrictions will have a huge impact on those living and working in the county, but this action is vital and is based on public health advice. In order to support local people, businesses and the councils, we worked together to agree an extensive package of support.

“These restrictions will be reviewed in 28 days to ensure they are only in place for as long as necessary. We are working closely with leaders across Nottinghamshire to support local people and businesses through the ongoing challenges this pandemic brings.”