LOCK US DOWN – ALL OF US
North East leaders expected to urge Government to impose toughest restrictions
NORTH East leaders are expected to urge the Government to impose a national lockdown amid rising coronavirus cases.
And, while it is not yet known which tier the region will be placed in, it is understood to be “on the cusp” of Tier 4.
The Government is set to announce today whether the region and other parts of the country will be moved into more stringent Tier 4 restrictions.
If the move happens it would essentially see the region return to the restrictions imposed during the November lockdown.
Non-essential retailers, gyms, hairdressers, barbers and sports facilities would all have to close.
A source from within the LA7 said that council leaders across Newcastle, County Durham, Sunderland, Northumberland, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and Gateshead, are set to ask the Government today to consider a national lockdown.
This is expected to be released after the region finds out which tier it will be placed in.
It is understood council bosses believe a national lockdown is the only way of protecting health and care services.
Leaders are also expected to argue this measure is needed to halt the spread of newer coronavirus variants while the vaccine roll out continues.
The statement is also expected to neither support or condemn any move into a higher tier, but will urge residents to comply with any restrictions imposed.
And it will reiterate what these restrictions are depending on the decision made by the Government.
It is highly likely more parts of England will be moved to Tier 4, while Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has not ruled out enforcing Tier 4 across the whole country.
Mr Gove told BBC Breakfast: “We review which tiers parts of the country should be in on the basis of scientific evidence.
“The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) will be making a recommendation to ministers, but I can’t preempt that because it obviously has to be a judgement based on the medical situation.
“As you quite rightly point out, the NHS is under pressure and these are difficult months ahead.”