Release from Southend Borough Council
The Government has today announced that Southend-on-Sea will be under new Tier 2 restrictions when the current national restrictions end on Wednesday December 2.
Under the new Tier 2 restrictions, people must not socialise indoors with anyone they do not live with or who is not in their support bubble, and the rule of six will apply outdoors.
Pubs and bars will only be able to operate as restaurants, and can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. They can open until 11pm, but must take last orders at 10pm and offer table service only.
Businesses, including shops can open, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs. Gyms and leisure centres can also reopen and up to 2,000 spectators will be allowed at live sporting events. Cllr Trevor Harp, cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “Southend-on-Sea has worked extremely hard as a community to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and consequently has one of the lowest case rates in the country (133 per 100,000 as of today). I therefore know that many local businesses and residents will be disappointed that Southend-on-Sea will be placed in Tier 2 from next week.
“However, we have to acknowledge that only the Isle of Wight, Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly will be in the lowest level of restrictions and we have to accept the tier we have been placed in and that a regional approach has been taken.
“We saw a peak of cases last week, and have since seen a reduction of our case rate per 100,000 as the positive impact of national restrictions is seen. We hope that everyone keeps doing their bit, case rates fall further and we can get back into tier one restrictions as soon as possible.
“Going into Tier 2 will be hard for many, but we must all continue to work together, and follow the restrictions in place. This will help to prevent the spread of the virus, save lives and protect the NHS. As we have done throughout, we will continue to support our local community and local businesses through these difficult times and anyone struggling should visit our website for further information on the support and advice available to them.
“I now urge people to remember the basics too - ‘hands, face, space’, don’t mix indoors with anyone from outside your household or bubble, work from home if possible, and as ever, if you have symptoms, self-isolate and get tested.”
The Government is expected to review the new national tier system every two weeks.
For more information on the new tier system, visit the GOV.UK website.
For more information on local business support, visit our website.
For more information on support available to residents, visit our website.