‘We must work together to drive down Covid rates’ says Leader

On Thursday, the Government announced that Leicestershire will move into Tier 3 – the highest level of coronavirus restrictions – on 2 December after the national lockdown ends.

Although rates have dropped over the past few days, figures for each district and the county remain above the national average.

Leader of the Council Cllr Phil King (pictured), said: “Whilst it is hugely disappointing that we are moving into the highest tier; we have to take this virus seriously and avoid it by washing our hands regularly, wearing a face mask in public indoor spaces and keeping two metres physical distance with those outside of our support bubble. We have an opportunity to drive down coronavirus infections if there is a concerted effort by each and every one of us now.”

From Wednesday, Leicestershire will move to Tier 3 restrictions, meaning people won’t be able to meet indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants will have to stay closed. Non-essential shops will be allowed to re-open along with gyms and leisure centres.

The restriction will mean:

• you must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, including private gardens or at most outdoor venues
• rule of six applies to some outdoor public spaces, including parks, countryside accessible to the public and public gardens
• essential and non-essential shops will be open
• gyms and leisure centres will be open
• pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed unless they are offering takeaway, click-and-collect or delivery services

Cllr King added: “The Government has said it will conduct a meaningful review tiers on 16 December so we have something to aim for if we can keep reducing the number of cases in the Harborough district. If you have symptoms of Covid-19 you must get tested and self-isolate if you test positive. You may be eligible for funding if you meet the criteria.”

The latest figures (as at 30 Nov) show Harborough district’s rate of cases for every 100,000 people is 216.4, above the national average for the UK of 164.7.

View Tier 3 restrictions in more detail on the Council’s website.

The Coronavirus Community Hub continues to help people across the district who are vulnerable and do not have a local support network to ensure they receive food parcels or other essentials. Support is delivered directly by Harborough District Council or voluntary and community partners. Over 1,700 requests for support have come into the Council from individuals across the district, with many more requests handled directly by community groups.

Get more information on the community hub or the current restrictions at www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus

If you have coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense or taste – book a test at a local testing site at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.