Warrington’s Public Health leaders have thanked residents for their huge efforts in reducing coronavirus cases, as the town moves into tier 2 – but have stressed there is still work to do.
The national coronavirus restrictions have been lifted today, Wednesday 2 December, and Warrington has become a tier 2 ‘high alert’ level area. The town has avoided the tighter restrictions of tier 3 due to the progress made in bringing coronavirus case numbers down.
The tier 2 restrictions state you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place. The ‘rule of six’ will apply outdoors, so you must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside, including in a private garden or a public space.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “The people of Warrington have shown real commitment to help us bring our case numbers down, and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts, which have made a real difference.
“The decision to move into tier 3 in October was about us taking strong, swift action to bring the virus under control. I’m really pleased that this is paying off. It’s good news for our communities and for our businesses.
“However, as we move into tier 2 from today, it’s vital that we all keep up the effort we have been putting in. By making sure we follow the restrictions and continue to take responsibility for our health and the health and wellbeing of others, we can ensure we keep heading in the right direction.
“The government will be carrying out a review in two weeks’ time, which could see areas moving into different tiers – so it’s really important that we remain disciplined and remember that there is more work to do in the coming weeks and months.”
Warrington’s Director of Public Health, Thara Raj, said: “It’s really good news that we have been placed in tier 2 and are not facing the tighter restrictions of tier 3. Well done to everyone for sticking to the rules. We can see what an impact it has had.
“Now we have to be extremely vigilant to avoid the possibility of moving into tier 3 when the government looks at the tiers again on 16 December. We need to do everything we can to keep infection rates low so that we can keep working and keep everyone safe.
“Please stick to the rules of hands, face and space – and remember that isolating if you have symptoms is as important as ever.
“We know that there are still businesses who are suffering and remain closed, such as some pubs and clubs. We are doing everything we can to help you through this period and will continue to make the case to government for additional support for those who need it.”
Under the tier 2 restrictions, businesses and venues are able to open as long as they continue to operate in a COVID-secure manner. However, there are some restrictions, including:
- Pubs and bars must remain closed unless they are serving substantial meals
- Table service only in premises which sell alcohol
- Venues must close between 11pm and 5am, and stop taking orders after 10pm
- Delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through can continue after 10pm
Further information about the restrictions and what they mean for places of worship, weddings and funerals, sport and leisure, events, and travel can be viewed on the government’s website at gov.uk/guidance/tier-2-high-alert
To keep up to date about coronavirus in Warrington visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
