Please note this article was published on 21st December 2020 and may be out of date. For the latest information about Coronavirus, please click here
The Prime Minister has announced tougher restrictions for large parts of South East England with a new Tier 4: ‘Stay at Home’ alert level. Lincolnshire remains in Tier 3.
The decision follows a rapid rise in infections attributed to the rapid spread of a new variant of COVID-19.
Based on preliminary modelling data, the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) now consider that the new strain can spread significantly more quickly and could increase R by 0.4 or more. New and existing data will continue to be analysed as we learn more about the variant.
As a result, the following areas have moved from Tier 3 to Tier 4:
– Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey (excluding Waverley), Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Rother and Hastings;
– London (all 32 boroughs and the City of London); and
– the East of England (Bedford, Central Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Essex excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring).
In Tier 4 the ‘Stay At Home’ message will be put in law. As previously, there will be exemptions – including travelling for work or education, for childcare purposes, and for exercise.
People should not enter or leave Tier 4 areas, and Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home. Where people cannot work from home, they should still travel to work, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Non-essential retail, indoor leisure [such as swimming pools and gyms], indoor entertainment [such as cinemas, bowling alleys and casinos], and personal care sectors [such as nail bars, barbers and hairdressers] must all close.
Tighter social contact restrictions will also be introduced, meaning one person can meet with one other person in an outside public space. Rules on support bubbles and childcare bubbles will remain as currently, and communal worship can continue to take place.
For the clinically extremely vulnerable, the same advice as in November applies in Tier 4 areas. This says that those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, which includes people with certain types of cancer, people on immunosuppression therapy, and people with severe respiratory conditions, shouldn’t go to work and should limit time outside the home, and take exercise outside at less busy times.
The tiers from 20th December 2020, graphic by The Telegraph
The Prime Minister, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Scientific Advisor and Cabinet agreed that while no-one wants to impose these tougher measures, the new variant has significantly changed the current landscape and urgent action is needed to protect the NHS and save lives.
Throughout the pandemic, the evidence has shown that rising rates will lead to increased hospital admissions, risking intolerable pressure on the NHS in the toughest winter months.
There is no current evidence to suggest the new variant causes a higher mortality rate, that it affects vaccines and treatments, or that testing will not detect cases.
The Prime Minister also said that given the risk the new variant poses, the Christmas bubble policy will no longer apply in Tier 4.
For Tiers 1, 2 and 3, Christmas bubbles can continue with up to three households able to meet, but for one day only on Christmas Day.
The government is also issuing new travel advice. Although the new variant is concentrated in Tier 4 areas, it is present at lower levels around the country.
People under Tier 1, 2, and 3 restrictions should stay local. People should not travel into or out of Tier 4 areas and those in Tier 4 areas will not be permitted to travel abroad, apart from limited exceptions including work and education.
Tier 4 rules will be reviewed on 30 December, as part of the wider review of all restrictions.
Click here for more information.
British Chambers of Commerce responds to announcement of ‘Tier 4’ Coronavirus restrictions
Commenting on the introduction of ‘Tier 4’ of Coronavirus restrictions in England, with many businesses once again forced to close their doors from 20th December, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:
“Christmas was already cancelled for many businesses, but even more will now suffer as a result of this last-minute decision.
“While Government must act on public health concerns, it must also address the economic consequences of its actions. Will there be more help for firms being forced to shut their doors – and for those who have paid for stock they now can’t sell? What support will there be for companies whose cash flow projections have once again been thrown into chaos?
“The introduction of an additional tier without warning or additional help is a huge blow to businesspeople who wanted nothing more than to be able to trade safely through the holiday season and beyond.
“It is clear ministers across all four nations are now considering even tougher measures. With huge numbers of firms already on the edge, it would be unconscionable for further restrictions or closures to be announced without a more comprehensive package of support in place that gives businesses the confidence that ministers will stand by them through an uncertain year ahead.”
“The introduction of an additional tier without warning or additional help is a huge blow to businesspeople who wanted nothing more than to be able to trade safely through the holiday season and beyond."
Back in September, the Chamber Network set out five tests for how Government tackles the ongoing crisis. Here is an assessment of those tests based on the latest announcement:
Evidence: It is clear from the rising rate of infections and pressure on hospitals that Government needs to do more to address the public health emergency but businesses are yet to understand the rationale behind closing businesses, such as hairdressers and gyms, that have implemented Government safer working guidance.
Clarity: Constant chopping and changing has left many businesses and their customers confused about how the rules apply.
Support: While this week’s extensions to the Job Retention and business interruption loan schemes were sensible, what would be better is a long-term plan for business support – to provide a clear foundation for affected firms throughout 2021. Business cash flow must be supported during this difficult time to enable firms to survive and power our eventual recovery.
Testing: Significant improvements to the test, track and isolate system are essential if we are to have a functioning economy. Government should take concrete action to ensure that more people are tested more quickly, and that more people isolate when required.
Exit strategy: The last-minute addition of a new tier and constant moving goal posts makes it impossible for businesses to plan ahead with any degree of confidence. Government need to set out an approach that provides more stability and clarity for business.
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