North East Lincolnshire remains in COVID Tier 3 – Very High Alert

North East Lincolnshire will join neighbouring authorities in the Humber and Lincolnshire areas in remaining at the very high local alert level (Tier 3).

Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council said: “We know that this is a difficult time, especially for the most vulnerable, and may seem frustrating, given our numbers have been reducing in our area. Having said that, the numbers remain far higher than we need them to be – still significantly higher than in September.

“However, we need to stay strong and keep observing the requirements. We will continue to work with other local authorities to do what we can to reduce the restrictions quickly, but everyone needs to play their part, and follow the restrictions, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period.”

Tier 3 restrictions will be in place until the end of 22 December, and then again from 28 December, with special arrangements being put in place around Christmas time.

As a reminder, in Tier 3, people across North East Lincolnshire must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues. Overnight stays with anyone outside your support bubble should be avoided.

Additionally, you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.

Where Covid-secure arrangements, such as substantial screens or visiting pods are available at residential care, visits can go ahead. Visits can also go ahead at windows and outside, but check with your residential care provider for any specific restrictions.

Additionally, other restrictions within Tier 3 are:

• You should work from home if this is possible.
• You should avoid travelling outside your area, other than for work or education. You should reduce the number of journeys you make where possible, and you should avoid car sharing with others outside of your household or support bubble.
• Hospitality services are closed, with the exception of sales by takeaway, drive-through or delivery.
• Education settings, shopping, retail, leisure and gyms remain open.
• Personal care (barbers, hairdressers etc) providers are open.
• Accommodation providers are closed.
• Weddings and Funerals: up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings, up to 30 guests for funerals. Wedding receptions are not permitted.
• Places of worship are open, but you should not interact with others outside your household or support bubble.
• Indoor entertainment venues must close.
• Exercise classes and organised sport can take place outdoors. Group exercise should not take place indoors (unless with your household or support bubble). Organised activities for elite athletes, under 18s and disabled people can continue.

Stephen Pintus, Director of Public Health, said: “The Government look at a number of criteria including the numbers of positive tests and cases in over 60s, and the amount of pressure that the local health and care system is under. In our area, whilst the numbers are coming down, our hospital and the wider health and care sector are still under some pressure. With that in mind, it's better that we go into Christmas with those tier three measures remaining in place.”

As we head towards Christmas, it’s expected that the town centres will be very busy. People should remember the basics of Hands, Face, Space and the new rules about meeting up with others.

Additionally, from 23 December to 27 December, Government has confirmed arrangements about forming Christmas bubbles.

• A Christmas bubble can be composed of people from no more than three households. You can only be in one Christmas bubble, and you cannot change your Christmas bubble.
• A Christmas bubble will be able to spend time together in private homes, including second homes and caravans, to attend places of worship, or meet in a public outdoor place.
• However, you should not meet socially with friends and family you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are part of your Christmas bubble.
• In all other settings, people should follow Tier 3 restrictions.
• If you do not form a Christmas bubble, you should continue to follow Tier 3 restrictions.

From 28 December, you must return to the guidance for Tier 3. Christmas bubbles will no longer apply, including on New Year’s Eve.

Self-isolation advice:

Since 28 September, anyone who receives a positive Covid-19 test or is told to self-isolate by the NHS Test & Trace Service must self-isolate by law, with anyone failing to self-isolate when they are required to do so facing a fine of between £1,000 and £10,000.

If you need help

North East Lincolnshire Council has a COVID-19 Helpline - 01472 313131 0ption 0, available from Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm. This is a dedicated helpline for individuals or families in in genuine need who have no one else to help them. Calling this number will connect residents to services, registered groups, organisations and local volunteers who may be able to help.

Additionally, those on low-incomes and certain benefits may qualify for a £500 support payment if they are forced to self-isolate due to COVID-19.

More information can be found at www.nelincs.gov.uk/coronavirus or at gov.uk/coronavirus.

ENDS