Pledge of support for residents and businesses in Cornwall amid third lockdown
Cornwall Council says there has been a 'dramatic surge' in Covid cases across the Duchy
A message of support goes out to local residents and businesses across Cornwall as the country goes into a national lockdown for the third time.
Boris Johnson is warning that the new coronavirus variant is spreading in a "frustrating and alarming" manner.
In the toughest restrictions brought in since March, people are being told to stay at home again except for a few reasons such as food shopping, essential work or to exercise.
Schools are closed to most pupils and the rules are expected to be in force until mid-February.
Cornwall Council is is urging residents to follow the government guidance.
Officials say the lockdown announcement follows a 'dramatic surge' in the number of cases across the Duchy in recent weeks.
All residents are being urged to stay at home wherever possible, and those clinically vulnerable people who were asked to shield last spring should do so again.
Cornwall Council had already called for tighter restrictions to be implemented to help protect residents and local health services.
“We will continue to support residents and businesses as we enter another lockdown.
“This action should have been taken as soon as the surge in case numbers became evident. My hope now is that these steps will prove enough to make a real difference and reduce the spread of the virus.
“We will now assess the details of tonight’s announcement, and make sure we are ready to support to our residents, especially those shielding, and our local businesses in the way we have been since the first lockdown started back last March.”
Cllr Julian German, leader of Cornwall Council