Norfolk to leave lockdown in Tier 2, as rates of coronavirus in the county begin to fall
The government has announced that Norfolk will leave the current national coronavirus restrictions in tier two - the second of the three national levels.
It means that from December 2, people will be allowed to meet in groups of up to six but only outside, with no mixing of households indoors, except for support bubbles. People should also continue to follow social distancing measures and isolate if they have symptoms, test positive or are asked to isolate by contact tracing teams.
The news comes as rates of the virus in Norfolk begin to fall, reflecting the impact of the ongoing national restrictions, which came into effect on November 5. However there has not yet been a sustained decline in the virus in Norfolk.
Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council and Chair of the Norfolk Engagement Board, said:
"People in Norfolk have worked so hard to pull together to protect each other and to protect our county and for this reason we had hoped we would be able to move into tier one from next week.
"However, in reaching the decision the government has looked at how the virus is progressing, rates in the over 60s and the capacity of local hospitals and concluded that the risk posed by household visits remains too high. The numbers are beginning to fall but we are not yet seeing a sustained decline in the virus. That means that we will move into tier two from next week, a decision that we accept but one that I know many people will find difficult.
"National restrictions remain in place for another week and it is essential that we stick to them, so rates continue to go in the right direction. The best way to protect ourselves and others is to make space, wash our hands and cover our faces and to isolate if we need to. "
Chief Constable Simon Bailey, added:
"As we head into another phase of battling this pandemic, the new Tier restrictions aren't quite as severe as the lockdown we have just come out of, but the reasons they are still with us are exactly the same - to prevent the spread of infection and saves lives.
"While we might all have our own opinions on these measures, we must take personal responsibility for making sure we adhere to them, the fact remains they are in place to protect us all and we need to follow them.
"As police, we don't make the rules, we enforce them and I would urge each and every one of you to do the right thing and play your part in being risk aware, protecting yourselves, your loved ones and the county as a whole by sticking to the regulations."
For the week to 20 November the seven-day incidence of the virus per 100,000 was 113, compared with 149 the previous week. 162 people are being treated for coronavirus in Norfolk and Waveney hospitals, compared with 141 on 13 November.
Professor Nancy Fontaine, Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Control at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said:
"The NHS remains open during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and we would urge patients to continue to attend appointments and seek medical care when they need it. It remains essential that everyone continues to work to reduce our local coronavirus rates with rigorous social distancing, thorough hand washing and wearing face coverings when needed to protect the most vulnerable members of society. Let's all keep Norfolk safe."