Surrey borough to move into Tier 2 of coronavirus restrictions

A borough in Surrey is going to move into Tier 2 of coronavirus restrictions is has been announced today (15 October).

Elmbridge Borough will move up a level in the the Government’s new three-tier system for England, meaning they are now deemed an area of high risk.

Surrey County Council confirmed the change will be implemented from midnight on Saturday 17th October.

Under the country’s new Local Covid Alert Level system, Tier 2 is for areas with a higher rate of infections and means some additional restrictions will be necessary to slow the spread of the virus.

This primarily aims to reduce household to household transmission by preventing all mixing between households or support bubbles indoors.

The Rule of Six will apply in outdoor spaces, including private gardens.

Elmbridge residents will still be allowed to travel in and out of the area.

The new restrictions for Elmbridge Borough will include:

-No socialising with people you don’t live with, or who aren’t in your support bubble, in any indoor setting

-The rule of 6 still applies outdoors, including private gardens, beaches or parks

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said:

“We know that the last 6 months has been incredibly challenging for residents but we really must all come together now to do what we can to overcome this virus. Sadly, in keeping with the picture we are seeing nationally, cases in the county are still increasing across the board.

“The news today that rates have continued to rise sharply in Elmbridge means there is absolutely no room for complacency and residents in this area will now see some measures introduced to help curb the spread.

“In this area specifically, we will now need to limit social contact by limiting the number of people we’re in contact with socially. The new restrictions for Elmbridge mean that you must not mix anyone outside of your household indoors and you must not mix in groups of more than 6 if you are outside.

“I’m grateful to all our residents for their perseverance in following the guidelines since March. But we must step it up now, to protect our loved ones, our NHS, and our businesses.”

“If we all follow the new restrictions we still have the chance to slow infection rates and prevent further restrictions in Elmbridge and the rest of Surrey.”

Local COVID alert level: high

This is for areas with a higher level of infections where some additional restrictions are in place:

-You must not socialise with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place

-You must not socialise in a group of more than 6 outside, including in a garden or other spaces like beaches or parks (other than where specific exemptions apply in law)

-Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law

-Certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am

-Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through

-Schools, universities and places of worship remain open

-Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees

-Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport

-You can continue to travel to venues or amenities that are open, for work or to access education, but should look to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible