Warrington to move into Tier 4 after record rise in COVID-19 infections

JUST four days after being moved into Tier 3 Warrington and Cheshire will move into tier 4 tomorrow, following a record rise in COVID-19 cases.

Following the changes announced by health secretary Matt Hancock today, three-quarters of the population of England will live under the most severe restrictions.
The changes come after the number of daily positive cases in the UK reached a new high – 53,135 on Tuesday.
Commenting on the announcement Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols said: “The Government have announced today that along with large swathes of the rest of the country, Warrington will be placed in Tier 4 restrictions, taking effect tomorrow at 00:01am.
“This news will come as a devastating blow to Warrington residents. It will impact operations, people’s mental health and the local economy. The shambolic handling of the Tiers system leading to the fourth set of restrictions in a single month will also be a source of confusion to many people.
“However, these restrictions are, I’m afraid, necessary because evidence has shown that existing measures have not been enough to control the spread- especially this new variant. We cannot increase the already immense stress on NHS capacity and our amazing NHS staff, nor risk the virus getting out of control where further mutations are likely.
“The positive news is that with the two available vaccines we have a path to their exit. It is now imperative that these are rolled out as quickly as possible, giving us hope in these incredibly difficult times. In the meantime, we must all do all we can to abide by the new rules.”
Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “I’m disappointed with the change but the increase in rates locally, with levels now at 280 per 100k up 20% to 24 Dec, plus the challenge of the new variant, is the reason. These measures are being put in place to save lives.
“I will continue to push for support for business required to close and additional grant support for those affected by reduced demand and those not able to access support previously.
“A statement on schools will also be made by Government shortly.
“The efforts of GPs and medical staff at Warrington hospital rolling out the vaccine means there is light at the end of the tunnel but, in the short term, we have a real challenge.”

If you live in a Tier 4 area you cannot leave or be outside of the place you are living unless you have a reasonable excuse.
You cannot meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas and New Year period, unless you live with them, or they are part of your support bubble.
Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household.
You can leave home for work purposes, where your place of work remains open and where you cannot work from home, including if your job involves working in other people’s homes. You can also leave home to provide voluntary or charitable services.
You can leave home to buy things at shops or obtain services from a business that is permitted to open in your Tier 4 area, but you should stay local. For instance, you can leave home to buy food or medicine, or to collect any items – including food or drink – ordered through click-and-collect or as a takeaway, to obtain or deposit money (for example, from a bank or post office), or to access critical public services
You may also leave home to fulfill legal obligations, or to carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property, or where it is reasonably necessary for voting in an election or referendum.
People can also exercise outdoors or visit some public outdoor places, such as parks, the countryside accessible to the public, public gardens or outdoor sports facilities. You can continue to do unlimited exercise alone, or in a public outdoor place with your household, support bubble, or with one other person if you maintain social distancing.
For full details on what it means to be living in Tier 4 CLICK HERE

(more to follow)