Tiered restrictions 'best way' to avoid second lockdown, says MP
Things will be changing for places deemed to be a high or very high risk
The MP for North West Norfolk says the government's new tiered restrictions are the 'best way' to avoid another lockdown.
The new rules come into force today for parts of the country deemed to be at high or very high risk - although things will be staying the same around here.
James Wild says it's important we do what we can to avoid further restrictions.
He said:
"I want to avoid another national lockdown, we don't want to go bck to that position if at all possible and the best way to try to avoid that is to have this tiered approach, where when infection levels are increasing, more restrictive rules are imposed in those areas to try to keep the virus under control."
Meanwhile, the new three-tier system is being welcomed by the leader of the County Council, who wants to see it as a chance to have more involvement in decision making from a local level, saying it's the council that knows the area best.
Andrew Proctor has also commended the Prime Minister for providing some clarity on restrictions through the new system.
He said:
"I welcome the clarity provided by the Government, through its new tiered levels of localised measures, linked to local case levels. I also welcome the economic support that is being made available to areas that face the strictest measures.
"What we want to see is an opportunity to have more local involvement in the decision making, as it’s local councils that know their areas best. Norfolk County Council has set up its own local tracing service and this has already worked well.
"Norfolk’s people and communities have been working hard together to stop the spread of Covid and we need that to continue. Partnership working has been excellent, as shown by the effective response to cases at Banham Poultry and in Great Yarmouth.
"Norfolk’s rates are still low compared to the national average and compared to the worst affected areas in northern England. Like every part of the country, Norfolk’s cases are rising, so we cannot afford to be complacent.
"I would urge everyone to continue to remain vigilant so we can all continue to protect Norfolk. We must all continue to wash our hands, wear face coverings when required to and observe social distancing - hands, face and space.
"The County Council and its partners are taking prudent measures now to attempt to limit the impact of COVID-19 over the winter.
"We have stockpiled personal protective equipment and are ready to reopen Cawston Lodge, to support the safe discharge of COVID patients and protect care homes."