Many of you have contacted me over the last few days concerned about the latest changes to the restrictions that have been imposed in the fight against Covid-19.
The Prime Minister has said that he doesn’t want to restrict activities in areas with relatively lower rates of transmission, whilst trying to reduce the rate in areas where transmission is high.
That is why there is now a three-tier approach, with different restrictions in each of the three tiers. The most severe – where the transmission rate is very high, tier 3 – sees hospitality unable to open and very severe restrictions on socialising with other households. But, importantly, schools stay open. In contrast, in Tier One areas, the rules that we have seen over the last few weeks will continue to apply.
At the time of writing, the whole Staffordshire Moorlands constituency is in Tier 1. We must all work together to keep the transmission rate down so that we can continue to see loved ones indoors and carry on enjoying some of the freedoms that we have started to enjoy since the full national lockdown ended.
There are of course restrictions in Tier 1 that are causing problems, in particular for local pubs and restaurants. Having to close at 10pm sharp is an issue for many businesses that are already struggling with reduced capacity and the need to provide table service. I know how hard local landlords and restaurateurs have worked to be Covid compliant and I really hope that the Government will show some flexibility to help businesses survive.
I also hope that we can see some flexibility for other struggling sectors, including wedding venues. But we will only be able to enjoy that if we keep the transmission rate down and stay in Tier 1. That is the challenge for all of us.
