​Tier 4 – we’re not happy, but there’s no choice

Health and council leaders have urged Bury residents to follow the tough new coronavirus rules and stay at home as the borough is placed into Tier 4 restrictions (from 31 December).

They warn that infection rates are still high and a new strain of the virus is on the march – and that 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, and now it gets even tougher under Tier 4.

“However, we’ve now opened three vaccination centres (in Radcliffe, Prestwich and Bury town hall Elizabethan Suite) and already nearly 2,000 of our most vulnerable residents have received the first of their two jabs. More vaccination centres will open across the borough in the coming days and weeks.

“This is why it’s so important that we don’t lose our discipline now, when there’s a new variant of the virus spreading across the land, and when there is real optimism that we can finally get on top of the virus.

“Covid is highly contagious, and people without symptoms – one in three of those who have it - can spread it unwittingly. It is important we keep on protecting each other by keeping our distance from other people, washing our hands, wearing face coverings and letting fresh air in.”

Under Tier 4 restrictions you must not leave home except for specific purposes, you must work from home if you can, households are not allowed to mix; all non-essential shops will have to close, along with bars, restaurants, leisure centres and hairdressers; travel to another part of the country is not allowed, nor is staying overnight away from home.

Read more about the restrictions here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home

Cllr Simpson added: “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: 30 December 2020.