The prime minister has announced a new three-tier system of restrictions in England to try to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Every area will be classified as being on medium, high or very high alert – tiers one, two and three. The measures come into effect on Wednesday, 14th October.
Medium Level, Tier One, will cover most of the country and follows the basic current national measures: –
The “rule of six” – the number of people who can meet up both indoors and outdoors – still applies
Pubs, bars and restaurants still have to close at 22:00 BST
High Level, Tier Two, covers most areas of the country already subject to local restrictions and an extra level of restrictions will apply: –
The “rule of six” will only apply outdoors. No mixing between different households indoors will be permitted
Very High Level, Tier Three – areas where transmission is rising most rapidly will be placed in this category: –
Social mixing will be prohibited indoors and in private gardens
Pubs and bars will be closed, except where serving substantial meals
Gyms, leisure centres, betting shops and casinos will also have to close
Shops, schools and universities will remain open under all three tiers. Obviously, the rules on social distancing, working from home if possible and the wearing of face coverings etc. all still apply.
For further information on alert levels, the Government’s Guidance note can be seen here: –
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know?utm_source=a6079d8f-910a-4a2d-b3ae-4b4b1a05cba7&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
Under the Job Support Scheme, workers in places like pubs and restaurants will qualify for financial support if Covid-19 restrictions mean they must close. The government will pay two-thirds of wages, up to a maximum of £2,100 a month for each employee. Staff must be off work for a minimum of seven days.
Employers whose businesses are forced to close will receive a grant of up to £3,000 a month, compared with the £1,500 every three weeks shuttered firms are currently eligible for. Employers must still pay workers’ national insurance and pension contribution.
Coronavirus cases in West Sussex
West Sussex is under Covid restrictions for England, but not additional local rules. From Wednesday 14 October, it will be in the medium alert (tier one) category. The following report from West Sussex County Council provides some background on infection rates: –
“In the seven days between 28 September to 4 October, 285 of our residents tested positive.
“While the rate of cases per 100,000 population (the weekly incidence rate) remains below the regional and national level, clearly cases are rising. In the period 21 September to 27 September, there were 187 cases across the county.
“The seven-day incidence rate varies among our districts and boroughs. Over the period 28 September to 4 October, Worthing had the lowest rate at 23.6 per 100,000 population, and Horsham had the highest rate with 49.2 per 100,000 population. The overall West Sussex seven-day incidence rate was 33.0 per 100,000 population.
“A large number of these cases are residents under the age of 24 years (45% of the 285 cases) with a much smaller proportion amongst the 65s or over (12%).
“It is important to note that figures are frequently updated (often in the same day) as new test results are added to the dataset. Please continue to follow the national guidance and keep safe.”
The prime minister, in his address, mentioned that a postcode search will launch on the government website in due course, enabling residents to determine which rules apply to them.
Travel corridors
For the latest list of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate please see here: –
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors?utm_source=bf62cac4-fd97-4679-ada5-01d94e8fb017&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
You will still need to complete the passenger locator form before you enter the UK.
Please stay alert and keep safe and if you need help with shopping or medication please do not hesitate to contact: –
Fr. Peter Mallinson (Bury) on 839057 or Ken & Diana Rowsell (West Burton) on 831475
