Vast majority of East Midlands to stay in Tier 3

The vast majority of the East Midlands will stay in Tier 3, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced in the House of Commons.

Hanock was announcing his two-weekly review of the tiering system in England. Only Bristol and North Somerset were moved from Tier 3 to Tier 2, while Herefordshire has been moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1.

This means that Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire stay under the strictest restrictions – despite positive Covid-19 positive rates dropping dramatically across many areas.

Hancock said: “As we enter the coldest months we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control. We must keep supressing this virus.

“These are always the most difficult months for the NHS – we must be cautious. We’ve come so far, we mustn’t blow it now.”

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Today’s announcement confirms what many businesses had been fearing ever since we came out of national lockdown – that Christmas is indeed cancelled this year for parts of the economy that would usually prosper most during this time of year.

“There had been a glimmer of hope that restrictions would be eased in time for what is usually the busiest part of the festive period but effectively closing down the hospitality industry – as well as others such as events and tourism – in the East Midlands will now have a huge impact on affected businesses.

“Christmas income usually helps firms stock up cashflow to get through quieter periods in the first few months of the following year, so without this the Government must really step up and offer greater financial support that is targeted to those who need it most.

“At the beginning of this month, the Chamber wrote to the Prime Minister, joining the British Chambers of Commerce in requesting full transparency from Government for businesses about the evidence base it is using to make decisions on closures. We are still waiting for this and there continues to be significant dissatisfaction among firms that are forced to close through no fault of their own and despite the major investment many have made in order to be Covid-secure.

“The data shows coronavirus cases and deaths have fallen dramatically in the East Midlands, with many rates below the national average, and yet there remains little sign of what the exit strategy is.

“It’s now the responsibility of Government to be clear on what exactly must happen for areas to come out of the heaviest local restrictions, as every week that passes under economic shutdown risks a longer and slower recovery, which will ultimately result in people losing their jobs, businesses and livelihoods.”