Surrey MP supports tougher measures to fight COVID-19
Elmbridge being moved into Tier 2 restrictions.
Esher and Walton’s MP is supporting the tougher restrictions imposed by his cabinet colleague on his constituency.
From 12.01am on Saturday the borough of Elmbridge will be moved from medium up to high alert.
It is the only borough in Surrey over the threshold of 100 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, with a rate of 119.2 cases last week.
MP Dominic Raab said: “I appreciate that moving up a tier to high alert level will be disappointing for Elmbridge residents, but these additional restrictions are necessary to help curb the spread of the virus.
“Local residents have shown great resolve over recent months. We have got to follow these new rules to avoid more stringent restrictions later on.
“That’s how we will come through this pandemic, protect lives and mitigate the harm to businesses and jobs.”
Tier two means no socialising with people you don’t live with, or who aren’t in your support bubble, in any private or public indoor setting.
The rule of six still applies outdoors, including private gardens, beaches or parks.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the announcement this morning (Thursday) and confirmed that parts of Cumbria, Essex, Derbyshire and Yorkshire will also move to tier two.
He told the Commons: “Working with local leaders in Essex and Elmbridge, we’re also moving them into local alert level high and I want to pay tribute to the leadership of Essex County Council and in Elmbridge where they have been working so hard to suppress the virus.”
He added: “Responding to this unprecedented pandemic requires difficult choices, some of the most difficult choices any government has to make in peacetime.”
Mobile testing units are currently available at the below locations in Elmbridge:
Torrington Lodge, Claygate, October 17 to 21
Sports Hub, Walton until October 16 and October 20 to 23
All tests need to be pre-booked by visiting the NHS website or calling 119. Test should only be booked for people with these symptoms: a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.