‘Stay at home’ plea by council leader as Derbyshire enters Tier 4 in Covid-19 fight

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “It is disappointing for huge swathes of Derbyshire that have low rates of Covid-19 that the whole of the county is to be placed in Tier 4.

“It is also a devastating blow to businesses that will be affected by these tougher restrictions and the possible impact this will have on jobs in the county, particularly in the hospitality industry, which is why I’ve called for extra government support.

“I would urge everyone to adhere to these new rules, including during New Year celebrations, to continue to wash their hands regularly, keep apart and wear a face covering.”

The Tier 4 restrictions mean:

• People should stay at home unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’ such as work or education;

• People should not mix indoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble but individuals can meet one other person from another household in an open, public space;

• Childcare bubbles are allowed with one other household to provide informal care to children under the age of 13;

• All non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons and indoor entertainment venues must close;

• Pubs, cafes and restaurants must close but can continue to offer take-away, drive-through or click and collect services until 11pm;

• Gyms and indoor swimming pools, indoor sports courts and dance studios must close;

• People should not leave tier 4 areas or travel abroad, except for legally permitted reasons. Overnight stays are not permitted;

• Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are only allowed in exceptional circumstances;

• People who are classed as ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ are advised to work from home. If they are unable to work from home, they are advised not to go to work.

Anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus – a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a change to their taste or smell – should self-isolate for 10 days immediately and book a test by ringing 119 or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test