Hull "likely" to be in Tier 3 when lockdown lifts
Government ministers have met with the council to discuss extra support
Hull is "likely" to be moved into Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions when lockdown lifts in December, the city council has said.
Ministers have met with local leaders this afternoon to discuss extra support for the city, which is dealing with the highest coronavirus cases in the country.
In a joint statement following the meeting, Councillor Stephen Brady, Leader of Hull City Council, Dame Diana Johnson, MP for Hull North, Karl Turner, MP for Hull East, and Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Hessle, said:
“We’ve had a positive meeting with the Government and discussions for military support are underway, with a request for assistance with planning and actual ‘feet on the ground’ to support the administration of our targeted lateral flow tests.
“We also made the point that we would be keen to be part of any pilot on mass vaccination, with additional logistical support.
“An exit strategy for national lockdown is being developed and our comments are being fed in, as it is likely Hull will emerge in Tier 3 or higher after national lockdown ends on Wednesday 2nd December. This assessment will be done nearer the time based on the latest information.
One of the demands councillors and MPs have made is for the army to be brought into Hull to help deliver mass coronavirus testing.
The city has been promised a share of rapid tests that can turn results around in just an hour.
Council leaders also want to be able to shut schools if they feel that that's the best way to keep students and teachers safe.
The statement went on to say: "The issue of flexibilities for local schools to move to key workers and vulnerable children only, which would only be done on a case-by-case basis and if absolutely required, is now fully understood by the Government and it is hoped there will be a positive outcome to this request from the Department for Education."
The council says more support is being offered to the council.
Meanwhile, the leader of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council has also written directly to the Prime-Minister to ask for more support there.