North Essex being moved into tier four described as 'disappointing'
Colchester, Tending and Uttlesford will join the rest of Essex in tier four from Boxing Day
Last updated 24th Dec 2020
The news that the whole of Essex will now face the highest level of coronavirus restrictions from Boxing Day has been described as "disappointing" but not a surprise.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced yesterday that millions more people in England will be placed in tier four due to a continued rise in coronavirus infections.
Essex Chambers of Commerce is worried it will put people off supporting high streets on Christmas Eve.
Director of Policy, David Burch, said: "We hope that, while it isn't coming in until Boxing Day, it won't dent people's feeling about going and shopping in our town centres across Essex.
"It's obviously a terrible virus that we are having to live with and it's important that people do adhere to government regulations in terms of keeping themselves and others safe."
Essex Chambers is hoping 2021 will be better for residents and businesses in the county, but recognised not all firms will survive.
He continued: "Probably slowly rather than quickly, our business communities will be able to get back to what they would regard as some sense of normal.
"I'm sure, unfortunately, there will be some casualties along the way. We will see businesses go under, we will see people made redundant.
"I hope that people across Essex will think local when they're doing their shopping and support local businesses of all types, because we have a huge variety of first class businesses in the county who deserve support."
Reaction to the tier four news has been coming from various local authority figures:
Tendring District Council (TDC) Leader Neil Stock OBE said he is also disappointed about the move to tier 4 but understands the decision.
“Being put into the highest tier is a blow for the area, in particular our businesses, but with transmission rates of the virus increasing significantly over the last few days something has to be done,” Cllr Stock said.
“I encourage everyone to follow the restrictions set out by the Government, and look after one another so we can get through this pandemic and get Tendring safely open once again.
“I would also call on the Government to set out its longer-term response to Covid-19, including the new strain, as the repeated lockdowns and tier restrictions are not a viable long-term solution.”