Coronavirus: Shropshire to move into Tier 3 (Very High) restrictions
The Government have announced today that Shropshire is to move into the Tier 3 ‘Very High’ alert level.
From 00:01 on 31 December 2020, all parts of Shropshire will enter in to Tier 3 of the Governments tiered system.
Key changes from Tier 2 to Tier 3
- A maximum of six people can meet in an outdoor public space
- Pubs, restaurants and bars can only open for takeaways
- Indoor leisure remains open, however classes should not take place
- Accommodation is now closed
- It’s advised not to stay overnight in other households, except within your support bubble
- Wedding receptions are now not permitted
- Indoor entertainment venues are now closed to the public
- Where possible, you should stay local and avoid travelling outside your local area, meaning your village or town, or part of a city. People should continue to travel for reasons such as work, education, medical attention or if they have caring responsibilities.
- You can still travel to venues that are open, or for reasons such as work or education, but you should reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible. You should avoid travelling outside your tier 3 area other than for the reasons such as those above.
- You should avoid higher-risk contact sports and group exercise activities and sports indoors should not take place, unless with your household or bubble
- No spectators at sporting events.
More details on what is allowed in Tier 3
For all the Government advice on what you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 3 of local restrictions visit www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert.
Peter Nutting, Leader of Shropshire Council said:
“I recognise the move into Tier 3 will come as a huge disappointment to many, especially as we know many of our residents have worked hard to keep themselves and each other safe. We now face tightened restrictions which will have an impact on our communities and businesses as we seek to reduce coronavirus cases across the county.
“I am really disappointed for all of our local businesses that have worked so hard with us to operate in a COVID-19-secure way. I doubt they could have done any more and want to thank them for what they have done. We will do all we can to support them during what I know will be a difficult time.
“Taking personal responsibility and making good choices continues to be the best way to protect yourself and those you love from the virus. We must all take action to protect each other and our local hospitals.
“There is light at the end of this long tunnel with the roll out of the vaccine that will hopefully start to see life return to normal in the near future but until then we still need to follow all of the guidance designed to keep ourselves and others safe.”
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:
“We are seeing cases rise across the country and over the past seven days in Shropshire we have seen 327 new cases, with numbers continuing to rise. We are also seeing cases increase rapidly in neighbouring areas and across the country, putting pressure on vital services.
“Shropshire’s move into Tier 3 is a clear message that we must act to reduce the extra burden we’re placing on our local health services. Everyone needs to play their part and follow the rules which are there for our own protection and safety.
“Around one in three people with COVID-19 show no symptoms, so we should all act as if we have the virus. There are no shortcuts to protecting yourself and others. Apply ‘Hands. Face. Space.’ in each and every situation.
“Our COVID-19 test sites have good availability and any residents who are experiencing symptoms, no matter how mild, should book a test as soon as possible.”
For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website.
