Warrington to remain in Tier 2

WARRINGTON will remain in tier 2 which will come as a relief for some local businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector, which have been hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With increasing rates during the past week, there had been fears Warrington would be moved into tier 3, although last week Warrington Borough Council’s Chief Executive said he was confident the town would remain in tier 2.
Welcoming the announcement Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols said: “I am pleased with today’s news that Warrington is staying in Tier 2. It is a testament to the fantastic efforts of people in Warrington in driving the virus down and keeping each other safe.
“That being said, we still need more support from the Government, both in terms of greater community testing and sectoral financial support. Pubs, in particular, desperately need the substantial meal requirement in Tier 2 to be properly evidenced or be dropped- as this is keeping many of them closed over what should be their busiest trading period.
“This will be a festive period like no other, but as the vaccine roll-out and our slow return to normality begins, let us not undo the gains we’ve made in recent months.
“I want to wish everyone in Warrington a merry and safe Christmas. My thoughts, in particular, are with those who have lost loved ones this year and those who will be working on Christmas Day to keep us all safe.”
Meanwhile Warrington South MP Andy Carter added: ““Warrington remains below the UK average for Covid-19 infections but we have seen a 17.9% increase in cases for the 7 days, to the 11 December and pressure remains on the hospital. Whilst we’re remaining in tier two we all have to continue to play our part to keep the virus under control locally.
“Looking ahead to Christmas and when restrictions will be relaxed for a 5 day period, there’s a very clear message that a smaller and shorter Christmas is going to be a safer Christmas. I hope residents get to spend some time with family and loved ones after what has been a difficult year but consider that it is always going to be safest to minimise the number of people you meet.
“If you are meeting elderly family members or anyone who may be vulnerable, we are asking you in the five days beforehand to reduce the number of people you are in contact with, as Covid spreads through human contact and 1 in 3 people won’t display any symptoms. It’s everyone’s own responsibility to take care to protect our communities in the weeks ahead.”
Almost all Tier 3 areas will remain at their current level of restrictions – but a wider area of east and southeast England will move up to the most severe measures,
The changes mean a total of 38 million people will be living under Tier 3 restrictions from Saturday – 68% of England’s population.
Some 30% of the population will be in Tier 2 like Warrington, with just 2% in Tier 1.
Announcing the outcome of the first review of the strengthened tiered system of restrictions, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK has “come so far” in its fight against COVID-19 and “mustn’t blow it now”.
“As we enter the coldest months we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control,” he said.
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.
(more to follow)

Good news for Warrington – we will remain in Tier 2. More info to follow pic.twitter.com/2X9QRom3aO

— Warrington Borough Council (@WarringtonBC) December 17, 2020

Warrington will remain in Tier 2- it is a testament to the fantastic efforts of people in Warrington in driving the virus down and keeping each other safe. Thank you 🙏

Let's not undo the gains we've made in recent months, stay safe and keep following the guidance! pic.twitter.com/tdNFx4HEDA

— Charlotte Nichols (@charlotte2153) December 17, 2020

Council chief confident Warrington will remain in tier 2