Slough becomes Tier 3 hotspot
Slough: Pubs, cafes and restaurants to remain closed
Slough will face the toughest coronavirus restrictions when the national lockdown ends next week.
The Government announced yesterday the town will be placed in Tier 3, the ‘Very High alert’ category.
The move means pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants will remain closed from December 2 although businesses can continue to operate a takeaway service.
Tier 3 status means fans will continue to be shut out from Slough Town Football Club with elite football only permitted to continue behind closed doors.
Slough is the only town in Berkshire which has been placed in the highest category of restrictions, with
neighbouring Windsor & Maidenhead and Buckinghamshire put in Tier 2.
Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Unfortunately cases in Slough, though coming down, are not dropping significantly or quickly enough, putting Slough people at risk.
“While this risk remains so high, I call on all residents to follow the lockdown rules until December 2 and then stick to the regulations of our new tier to protect themselves, their families and communities from what can be a devastating illness.”
Slough Borough Council had been bracing itself for the toughest COVID-19 restrictions due to the infection rate standing at 351 cases per 100,000 people at the beginning of the week.
As of yesterday, the infection rate now stands at 313.6 cases per 100,000 people and 218.8 cases per 100,000 in the over 60s.
Rates among young people are falling, with the infection rate now 328.6 cases per 100,000 people aged 17-21 compared to 433.8 two weeks ago.
Cllr Pantelic added: “It is good news that cases are falling and that is a direct result of residents doing what they can and what needs to be done – whether that is wearing masks correctly, not mixing with people they don’t live with and isolating when necessary.
“This shows the decisions each of us are taking are making a difference; so please continue to do all you can.”
MP for Slough Tan Dhesi said he plans to lobby Government for more support for people and businesses but urged people not to be complacent about the virus.