Whilst I am disappointed that we will be in Tier 3 restrictions once we leave lockdown, I think it is important to clarify that there are some key differences from the restrictions we were under previously (referred to by some as ‘Tier 3+’).
Differences between national restrictions, the previous ‘Tier 3+’ and the new Tier 3:
Non-essential retail can open
Hairdressers, nail salons and all beauty and personal care can open
Outdoor sport can go ahead
Gyms and other leisure facilities can open
Rule of six outdoors, not two people or households
Collective worship allowed
Weddings can now take place (although not receptions)
Whilst no restrictions are ideal, the important thing is that we keep working towards lower infection rates whilst we roll out vaccines from December onwards.
I realise that this period is particularly difficult for those in the hospitality sector and I am continuing to lobby government to provide extra support.
Whilst I know these restrictions will be difficult for everybody and I’m sorry we can’t lift more restrictions earlier (or that they may affect some more than others), it is important to stress that we will be under less restrictions now than we were prior to the lockdown and that the situation will be reviewed again on December 16th.
It is important to point out that whilst rates in Nottinghamshire have been dropping, they are still high and above the national average (Bassetlaw having the highest rates in the county, despite at one point having the lowest). We have seen with Liverpool that it is possible to go into a lower Tier after a sustained drop in rates and it is my hope that this will be the case in Nottinghamshire, ideally at the next review on December 16th.
I know most people realise that despite the rollout of vaccines and the progress we have made, there is still more to do, that the approach to tackling Covid-19 is a gradual one and that we were never going to return completely to normal immediately after the lockdown.
Once again, I want to thank you for all your efforts and your understanding.
More guidance on the new Tier arrangements can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-kn…
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