In response to today’s Government announcement that Calderdale will move into Tier 3 restrictions(external link) from Wednesday 2 December 2020, Cllr Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council, said:
“It has now been confirmed by Government that following the end of national lockdown, we will return to Tier 3 restrictions in Calderdale.
“We know that a return to the highest level of restrictions is upsetting news for everyone, but unfortunately the infection rate in Calderdale remains exceptionally high. We’re currently ranked 27th in England for COVID-19 cases and the pressure on our health and care system is now well beyond that experienced in the first wave earlier this year.
“Although the move out of national lockdown means that some businesses can reopen from Thursday 3 December, Tier 3 restrictions now require the closure of pubs and restaurants.
“We know that this will cause great concern for many of our local hospitality businesses, at what is traditionally their busiest time of year. We’re doing all we can to offer our advice and support to all businesses affected by COVID restrictions and applications are now open for the latest grant support.
“As we approach the tougher winter months, I want to remind everyone that we are still all in this together – as we have been from the start. We are still united in our hope, determination and care. We know we can beat this virus together.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have been so impressed by the way communities have come together to support each other. You have shown incredible kindness and made sacrifices to protect yourselves, your loved ones, the NHS and our communities. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who is continuing to do everything possible to get infection rates down.
“We know how to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If we all continue to stick together and play our part, infection rates will come down again. We’ve done it before and we can do it again – during the first national lockdown we successfully kept the number of cases low in Calderdale. Although our current infection rate remains high, the recent restrictions are starting to have an impact in the borough and cases are starting to reduce – so let’s keep up our amazing joint efforts.
“There are three big things we can all do to protect each other: limit our contact with others; wear a face covering indoors when we’re with people we don’t live with; and isolate if we have symptoms, a positive test result or have been in contact with someone that does.
“You are not alone – if you or someone you know need some extra support, please do come forward, as there are many ways that the Council and our fantastic partner organisations can help. We have teams that can help with things like shopping, collecting medication, a friendly phone call, dog walking or posting mail.
“Keep an eye out for our WinterWise booklet, which is going out to all homes in Calderdale and will also be available at www.calderdale.gov.uk We have created this guide in partnership with Calderdale CCG, and it contains lots of great tips for you and your family on keeping warm, safe and well this winter during the pandemic.”
For a full breakdown of the restrictions in Tier 3 and for exemptions, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#very-high-alert(external link)