Businesses facing closure as second lockdown begins
BUSINESSES face renewed closures as a second lockdown comes into effect across England today.
Just weeks after Southport and the wider Liverpool City Region were placed under Tier 3 restrictions, new national measures have been implemented to deal with soaring rates of Covid-19.
This will see all non-essential shops as well as gyms, sports facilities, pubs, bars and restaurants unable to open, while churches and other places of worship can only host individual worship and funerals. Those who can work from home are expected to do so again.
However, unlike the first national lockdown in March, schools, colleges and universities will remain open to all pupils.
People are unable to meet with anyone outside their private bubble in any space or private garden, though individuals can meet with one person from another household in a public outdoor space, with under five-year-olds not counted.
The strict new measures come weeks after opposition MPs called for them to be implemented during half term and will last until December 2. After that date, the restrictions will be eased and regions will go back to the tiered system.
Prime minister Boris Johnson told a Downing Street news conference that he was “truly, truly sorry” for the impact on businesses, but said the furlough system paying 80% of employee wages will be extended through
November.
“No responsible prime minister” could ignore figures which suggested deaths would reach “several thousand a day”, with a “peak of mortality” worse than the country saw in April, Mr Johnson said.
He added: “Christmas is going to be different this year, perhaps very different, but it’s my sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action now we can allow families across the country to be together.”
Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “I understand these new measures will come as disappointing news for both our residents and many businesses, all of whom have worked so hard to ensure we are as safe and as resilient as we can possibly be during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is imperative everyone follows the latest national government guidelines to save lives and protect our fantastic NHS network and social care services which the council provides.
“Sefton Council, its partners and the Liverpool City Region have been working non-stop to keep everyone as safe as possible and drive down COVID-19 figures and the health and wellbeing of our residents remains our top priority.
“Essential council services will continue as they have done throughout the pandemic and I would like to put on record my heartfelt thanks to all of our staff who have been tirelessly working to support our most vulnerable members of the community, alongside providing those vital day-to-day services which are critical to the borough.”