North East Derbyshire District Council Leader, Alex Dale is urging residents to continue doing everything they can to fight this pandemic as the district is allocated into tier 3 following the lifting of national restrictions, despite case numbers having dropped since lockdown began.
The news of being in tier 3 comes as a disappointment after a reduction in case numbers across the district. However to keep everyone safe and move forward to a lower tier, everyone must show their resolve and keep up their hard work to stay safe and reduce the spread of the virus.
Once lockdown ends on 2 December it means the three leisure centres can re-open, however some classes and team sports will not be able to operate. Restaurants, cafes and other hospitality sector businesses will only be able to operate on a takeaway basis.
Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, Councillor Alex Dale said, “Yesterday I joined the other District, Borough and County Leaders in Derbyshire, in writing to the Prime Minister to urge him to put the impact on our fragile hospitality sector at the core of Government’s thinking over the tiering system and to ask for Derbyshire to be placed in tier 2.”
“Of course we are naturally very disappointed to be in tier 3 after lockdown having seen our residents working so hard adhering to the rules and the hardship brought upon businesses during these unprecedented times. However, we need to keep up the efforts we’ve all put in so far to ensure the spread of the virus in our area continues to reduce and our restrictions can be loosened in the coming weeks.
“We will be pushing the Government for a review of our restrictions at the earliest possible opportunity in order to move down the tiers and doing whatever else we can to support and be a voice for our businesses and residents affected by the restrictions.”
“For those businesses affected by the pandemic, we have grants available to help, whether you were forced to close or able to stay open, please visit our website to check your eligibility.”
“With Christmas around the corner, please keep up the good work in following the restrictions as closely as you can and remember to wash your hands, keep your distance and cover your face. There is light at the end of this dark tunnel but we’ve got to keep working together to reduce our rates and defeat this terrible virus.”
For more information on the latest restrictions and what being in tier 3 means for you or your business as well as finding out more information about business grants available, please visit www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk