'No reason to believe' Wiltshire will leave Tier 2
The county's Public Health boss has spoken-out
Last updated 15th Dec 2020
Kate Blackburn, Public Health Director for Wiltshire, has said there is "no reason to believe" that Wiltshire will be moved from Tier 2 tomorrow (16 December).
For the first time since the second nationwide COVID lockdown began, the government can now alter the level for each area.
Since December 2, Wiltshire has been in the Tier 2 high risk category.
Despite recent media speculation suggesting that the county would be moved To Tier 3, with further restrictions, Wiltshire Council says the change is unlikely.
Kate Blackburn said:
"Cases in Wiltshire have been gradually reduced over recent weeks and that is due to residents in both areas following the social distancing guidelines, keeping a two metre safe distance, regularly washing hands and wearing a face covering.
"Case levels are recorded by the Government but we have no reason to believe that our areas will be increased to the very high alert tier when the tiers are reviewed on 16 December.
"Of course it is important not to be complacent and it is vital people continue to be vigilant particularly over Christmas and the New Year period.
"I want to thank people for taking responsibility and ensuring they follow all the necessary measures".
LATEST FIGURES
In the seven days to 9 December, 335 positive cases were recorded in Wiltshire, 54 lower than the previous week.
That gives the county a rolling rate of 67.0 per 100,000 residents, significantly below England's figure of 173.3.
Meanwhile, there are 43 unique education settings in Wiltshire with a positive case.
This means 3,689 students are self-isolating, as well as 158 members of staff.