Calderdale has been identified as a Tier 2 High Alert level area in the new national tiered approach to COVID-19 restrictions, announced by the government today (Monday 12 October 2020).
There are three tiers in the new system:
- Tier 1 Medium Alert level – the minimum level of restrictions applicable to all of England
- Tier 2 High Alert level – applies in certain geographical areas or nationally when there has been a rise in COVID-19 transmission, which cannot be contained through local responses
- Tier 3 Very High Alert level – triggered in certain geographical areas or nationally when Tier 2 measures have not contained the spread of the virus, or where there has been a significant rise in transmission
The Tier 2 restrictions, which apply throughout Calderdale from Wednesday 14 October, are as follows. The main difference, compared to the previous local restrictions, is that more than one household, up to the rule of six(external link), can meet outdoors in private gardens and open spaces, as well as outside in hospitality, retail and leisure settings. However, more than one household must still not meet inside homes or indoors in hospitality, retail and leisure venues.
Tier 2 High Alert level restrictions – it is important that we all follow these measures to do our bit to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Calderdale:
In addition to the national restrictions which apply to the whole country, in Calderdale the following Tier 2 restrictions also apply from Wednesday 14 October:
- People must not socialise with anybody outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
- People must not socialise in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other spaces like beaches or parks (other than where specific exemptions apply in law)
- Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those which remain closed in law
- Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am. Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm, as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru
- Schools, universities and places of worship remain open
- Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
- Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with)
- People can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, for work or to access education, but should look to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible
- Informal carers can provide care for children and vulnerable adults. Children under 14 can be cared for by people outside of their immediate household as part of a care bubble. Children’s groups and supervised activities in private homes are permitted, as is registered and wraparound childcare.
In response to the government’s announcement about the tiered approach, Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said:
“This is a positive step forward in our fight against COVID-19.
“The new guidelines for meeting people outdoors mean we can start to safely see more of our loved ones. We empathise with everyone who feels tired and disheartened after months of not being with their family and friends.
“We have been working tirelessly with other West Yorkshire councils to get a more targeted, consistent and clear approach to local restrictions in our region. We have also been lobbying government to allow greater freedom to meet people outside, so we are pleased that residents across Calderdale will now start to benefit from this.
“So, wrap up warm and enjoy reuniting with your loved ones in the fresh outdoor air. Spend some quality time together in the garden; enjoy being active together – go for a walk; visit the park. But please remember to stay two metres apart to keep each other safe.
“We all need to keep doing the right thing and follow the measures in place – they’re here to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. COVID-19 is still spreading quickly in every part of Calderdale, but we all have the power to slow it down. Together, we can control this. There will be brighter days ahead.
“It’s important to focus on the positives. We have come a long way since the toughest days of national lockdown and can now safely do more of the things we enjoy.
“We are still working intensively on community and business engagement, local testing and contact tracing to help bring infection rates down, so that the remaining restrictions can be lifted.
“We can all play our part in this by washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed public places, keeping our distance from people who aren’t in our household, limiting social contact and getting tested if we have COVID-19 symptoms. This is more important than ever as we move towards winter.
“Another vital way to stop the virus spreading is to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 10 days if we have symptoms of COVID-19, or for 14 days if we’re a contact of someone who has the virus. This is particularly important because some people in our community could get very ill if they catch the virus. We’re urging people to download the NHS’s new contact tracing app(external link) – it’s the fastest way to see if you’re at risk from coronavirus.”
Over the coming days it is anticipated that there will be further discussions with the government regarding the restrictions and implications for Calderdale and West Yorkshire.
What are we doing to prevent and control COVID-19 in Calderdale?
We will continue to live with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. In line with Calderdale’s Outbreak Prevention and Control Plan, the Council, local partner organisations and communities are working together to protect people from the virus and to prevent and manage outbreaks. This includes:
- Engaging with and supporting communities, particularly in areas of high infection rates, and helping local businesses to be COVID-secure
- Increasing and improving access to testing for residents
- Carrying out local contact tracing to support the national Test and Trace service
- Providing support to people to enable them to self-isolate
- Enforcing COVID-19 restrictions.
We can all play our part to beat the virus by:
- Washing our hands regularly
- Staying two metres apart
- Wearing a face covering when we are indoors where we might come into contact with others, such as public transport, taxis, shops, museums and places of worship
- Not visiting, or having visitors from, other households indoors
- Staying away from crowds and avoiding close contact with others, such as handshakes and hugs
- Keeping up with guidance
- Isolating for 10 days and getting a test if we have symptoms of COVID-19
- Following the advice of the Test and Trace service if we have come into contact with someone with the virus.
For up-to-date and reliable information about COVID-19, use trusted sources such as:
www.gov.uk/coronavirus(external link)