The Prime Minister has just held a news briefing in which he announced details of a new coronavirus variant which is believed to be up to 70% more transmissible. This variant spreads faster than the original virus, however, it is not believed to be any more severe in terms of illness. This new development has meant that changes have had to be made to the previously announced tiers in some areas and arrangements for Christmas have had to be scaled back.
These measures will have the greatest impact on areas of London and the South East, where there have been steep rises in hospital admissions. These areas will now move into a new more stringent fourth tier from one minute past midnight tonight.
The Prime Minister has reiterated that those affected by these measures will still be able to obtain support including the furlough scheme which was recently extended until the end of April 2021.
Here in the North West and other parts of Northern England instances of the new variant are significantly lower than in the south and infection rates are already being kept under control by the existing tier three measures.
In our area, the only change that has been announced is that Christmas bubbles will now only be permitted on Christmas day itself, rather than the previously agreed five day period.
Whilst this is a tough decision it would be disappointing to see the effort that people have made here over recent weeks and months be undone now. I hope that people will understand how important it is that we all observe this adjustment to Christmas bubbles and think carefully before mixing with people who may be vulnerable.
The Prime Ministers full statement can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-ministers-statement-on-cor…
