High Peak MP says it's down to us all to follow the rules and avoid another national lockdown

The alert level has been moved from three to four and the number of cases is rising.

The Government and the public must listen to the serious warnings from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer.

To keep the virus under control and protect the NHS, new restrictions have become necessary.

This includes requiring pubs, bars, restaurants, and other hospitality to close at 10pm and provide table service only.

Everyone should work from home if they can, face coverings will be mandatory in more settings and there will be fewer exemptions to the rule of six.

As new restrictions are introduced, the enforcement of these rules will also be tougher and guidance for businesses will be enshrined in law.

People will be required to self-isolate by law if they test positive or have been asked to self-isolate by NHS test and trace.

People breaking the rule of six or businesses that fail to make their premises Covid-secure will be fined.

I understand that adapting to these new restrictions will not be easy, but we all must do our bit to help avoid another national lockdown.

Failing to act now could lead to disastrous results this winter.

However, there is no doubt that these measures will disrupt peoples lives and I will be closely scrutinising the new rules and calling on the Chancellor to take urgent steps to provide additional support to the businesses affected, especially those in hospitality and sports clubs.

I know that many in High Peak are worried about cases rising across the region.

The Government has rapidly increased capacity in the NHS, but much more must be done.

That is why I directly urged the health secretary, in the House of Commons, to ramp up testing.

These are difficult times and there will be challenges in the months to come.

Earlier this year, we came together and helped one another as a community and we can do it again.

If anyone needs my help, please email [email protected] or call 01663 769779.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.