​Tier 3 – it’s hard but we must stick with it

Health and council leaders have urged Bury residents to continue to follow the coronavirus rules as the borough remains under Tier 3 restrictions.

They warn that, although infection rates are falling in the borough, they are still around the national average – and local people are continuing to need intensive care in hospital.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m as frustrated as everyone else that we are living under restrictions that have lasted for months, but our infection rate is still close to the national average at around 200.

“However, there is some good news. The first Covid vaccination centre opened in Bury this week, so that the most vulnerable in our community can be protected, and more will open over the coming days and weeks. We’ve also started targeted Covid testing in a variety of settings across the borough in order to identify people who are asymptomatic and help drive down the transmission rate.

“This is why it’s so important that we don’t lose sight of the prize, just when there is real cause for optimism that we can finally get on top of the virus.

“Covid is highly contagious, and people without symptoms can spread it. It is important we keep on protecting each other by washing our hands, wearing face coverings, keeping space and letting fresh air in.”

Under Tier 3 restrictions, we are not allowed to meet people who are not in our household group either indoors or outside in private gardens, and a maximum of six people can meet outdoors in public spaces such as parks. Read more about the current restrictions here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

Guidance has also been issued on forming a Christmas bubble between three households (23-27 Dec) so that families can get together over the holiday period while still limiting the spread of the virus.

Cllr Simpson added: “Although we are allowed to visit family for a few days over Christmas, we must still take precautions: our elderly relatives could be just weeks away from being vaccinated. We all want life to return to normal, and these sacrifices will be worthwhile.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 17 December 2020.