TIER 2 STAYS ... FOR NOW
But talks will continue between North East leaders and Government with the threat of a move to the ‘very high’ alert level Tier 3 a distinct possibility
NorthEast leaders have agreed that the region should remain under Tier 2 restrictions – but a meeting with the Government on moving into the ‘very high’ alert level is expected to go ahead on Monday.
Council leaders across the North East and Tees Valley met yesterday to discuss the Covid situation in the region and a potential move into the ‘very high’ Covid alert level.
It followed concerns over the rising number of cases and deaths across the region and Tees Valley.
But following the meeting, political leaders in the North East have agreed that the data supported the region remaining in Tier 2, a source has confirmed.
They told the PA news agency: “The Government accepted that the previous spike was due to students and that the cases are plateauing. We need to keep an eye on residual accumulation of people in hospitals.”
The meeting followed a warning from North East political leaders on Monday, that they will “resist any attempt” to impose Tier 3 lockdown measures on the region.
Leaders reiterated their belief that current Tier 2 measures are “the right level for our communities”, fearing the business closures caused by tougher local lockdown rules would devastate the region’s economy.
But ahead of yesterday’s meeting, Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said it was important to “keep all options on the table”, while Tees Valley MP Jacob Young said he thought the Tees Valley will be placed in the toughest Tier 3 restrictions “within the next week or so”.
Although it was decided that the region should remain under Tier 2, the situation could still change as the next meeting with the
Government about possibly being placed in Tier 3 is expected to be on Monday.
A move into Tier 3 would mean that pubs and bars will have to close down unless they are serving “substantial meals”, while also preventing residents making overnight stays in other parts of the UK or meeting up with people from other households in private gardens. That comes on top of current Tier 2 restrictions banning households from mixing in any indoor setting.