The first review of the localised tiered restrictions since the second national lockdown has taken place and it has been announced that Derby and Derbyshire will remain on very high alert under tier 3 restrictions.
The announcement comes after the growing prevalence of COVID-19 in Derby and Derbyshire, with both areas having reported increasing case numbers since coming under the new restrictions on December 2nd.
Eight days after the new restrictions came into place, the number of cases per week reported for Derbyshire had increased by more than 300 cases. Weekly case numbers reported for Derby have also seen an increase by more than a third, rising from 355 to 476 cases per week.
Reviews of the tier system take place every 14 days, with the next review scheduled to take place on the 30th December. For the period from the 23rd December to the 27th December, households will be permitted to form Christmas bubbles, with the Tier restrictions coming back into place on the 28th December. The decision made to keep the region in Tier 3 will raise concerns for many across Derby and Derbyshire and continue to place a strain on local businesses. Amanda Solloway, Member of Parliament for Derby North, has commented on the recent decision.
Amanda said
“I know that Derby and Derbyshire remaining in Tier 3 will cause much concern for many individuals, families and local businesses and I’m especially devastated for the hospitality industry who have been hit incredibly hard at what is usually their busiest time of year, however, we must remember that the measures have been put in place to keep us safe and protect our local health and social care services during the winter months and we all remain grateful to the tremendous work of health and social care staff across our region and the nation as a whole.
With Christmas fast approaching, it is vital that we do not let our guard down and continue to follow the measures and enjoy the festive period responsibly. Derby City Council are launching two new support schemes for businesses on Thursday to help through these difficult times and that support will be warmly welcomed by many that have to remain closed due to the restrictions.
We are taking the right steps as a region to reduce the spread of coronavirus, through the introduction of rapid lateral flow testing and the launching of vaccination centres at Royal Derby Hospital and Derby Arena. I am very pleased that Derby will be one of the first places in the country to have these schemes in place and can make significant progress in our fight against coronavirus.
