Many will be disappointed to hear the news today that Wiltshire will be going into tier two restrictions next week when the second lockdown comes to an end. Of course we had all hoped that we might have returned to the lowest tier, but to get back to normality we really need to tackle local infection rates, and this is the best way to do so – especially until the vaccine is available.
The new system has classified Wiltshire as an area ‘with a higher or rapidly rising level of infection’. Case rates are falling in Swindon but rising in Wiltshire – particularly among the over 60 – with hospital admissions also on the rise. The most important thing, and what will help get us back into tier one, is to reduce the spread of infection in the county. It will also be important that the Government provides clear directions to local authorities about how to move down the tiers, and I raised this point with the Prime Minister on Monday.
Tier 2 restrictions mean Wiltshire residents will not be able to socialise with anyone who they do not live with (or who is not in their support bubble) in any indoor setting – at home or in public – and outdoors we will return to the ‘rule of 6’. I very much regret this means more restrictions for our businesses and hospitality venues, and had hoped they would have been able to trade more normally in the run up to Christmas.
The more we follow these rules in Wiltshire, the sooner we might return to tier one and I would urge everyone to continue acting responsibly. For the full guidance on tier two restrictions, visit the Government website here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert
