Tonight, I supported the Government with the introduction of the new tiers system, a system which has been designed to ensure that the downward trend of infection rates in our area continues following full lockdown.
The new tier system has been the subject of many emails that I have received from constituents. These emails have shared views both for and against and I have read those comments with care. The most common questions and comments have been:
Why, if we were in tier three before lockdown and our local rates are declining, are we are still proposed for tier three now?
The reality is that in our area infection rates were exceptionally high before the recent enhanced measures. Whilst these measures have seen rates reducing, we are not currently at a level where it would be right to enter tier two. However, if trends continue, we will be in a strong position to make the case for a move into a lower tier at the next review on the 16th December. If that is the case, I will be pushing very strongly for this.
Why are some things restricted while others are not?
Decisions about what can and cannot happen in each tier have been based on a number of factors including infection rates, and the likelihood of a particular environment or activity to contribute to an increase in infection rates. It is not always possible to single out the specific effectiveness that one factor will have but we do know that collectively recent measures have had an overall positive result in bringing the infection rate down.
I am upset and frustrated that cannot do the things I want to do.
I do understand that when a specific measure affects us personally it can sometimes seem unfair. I can assure you that no one wants to see measures be any more rigorous than needed to be effective or to have them imposed for longer than is absolutely necessary.
What about support for businesses that are affected by the tier three measures?
Under tier three non-essential retail will be able to reopen along with a number of other businesses. I completely understand that the new measures will have an economic impact for those affected or unable to reopen. I know that the Government is doing everything it can to consult with local leaders and deliver timely and appropriate support measures, such as extending the furlough scheme until the end of March. Any business that is experiencing difficulty in accessing that support should contact my office for further assistance by emailing [email protected].
Hospitals are not full yet, why do we need to worry?
It is paramount that we protect our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed and ensure that capacity always exists so that every person suffering from coronavirus, who needs medical intervention, can receive that care. Especially as we enter the flu season.
I want local people to be assured that I and my parliamentary colleagues are keeping up-to-date with the latest information and local figures and will be supporting a suitable reduction to our tier level as soon as the data suggests that it is safe to do so. But, for now it is right that we continue reduce the spread of the virus by making these tough decisions.
