County Hall warns Delta variant on the rise in Norfolk
We're being urged to get vaccinated as lockdown is extended
We're being warned cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus are on the rise in Norfolk.
The County Council wants us to be cautious, especially following the Prime Minister's announcement of a delay in the final step out of lockdown. Restrictions had been due to end next Monday (21 June), but that's now been put back to 19 July, over concerns about the new strain spreading.
Reacting to Boris Johnson's announcement, the leader of Norfolk Council Council said:
"I fully understand that many people and businesses will be disappointed at this delay to the final step of easing restrictions and I hope that it won't be for too long.
"We want our economy to be opened up more, especially as we come into the summer months that are so important for Norfolk's tourism industry.
"However, the Government has always said it would follow data, not dates and on that basis, I can't see that the Prime Minister had any alternative but to pause. Although Norfolk's cases remain low, Delta variant cases are rising.
"The proposed month's breathing space will enable more people to get vaccinated, which improves our long-term prospects of returning to a more normal life.
"It's essential to get vaccinated when you are offered it. Also please keep following the advice - hands, face, space and regular lateral flow testing to reassure relatives, friends and colleagues."
North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker has also given his response to the delay:
"I'm disappointed that next step of the roadmap won't come next week, but inevitably I think we all understand what the Government is trying to do in trying to get two thirds of the adult population double vaccinated before we see more hospitalisations, which inventively could follow.
"Norfolk has had very low rates all the way through, but we've got make sure we take one step forward and not two steps backwards and I think this announcement is just to put us in a much safer position when we review again in two weeks time, for hopefully the right decision in four weeks time."
Wedding will be allowed to go ahead with more than 30 people from next Monday, which is being welcomed by Mid Norfolk's MP, George Freeman.