Coronavirus: Mixed views as Peterborough and Cambridgeshire put in Tier 2

The move was announced today (November 26) by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and will come into effect when national lockdown ends next Wednesday.

Peterborough had previously been in the lowest tier before the second lockdown, although cases were said to be on the rise.

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The Tier 2 restrictions listed before the announcement include:

- No household mixing with people not in your support bubble indoors

- The Rule of Six will apply outside

- Pubs and restaurants to shut at 11pm and provide table service only

- Alcohol in pubs can only be served as part of a ‘substantial meal’

- Spectators allowed at sports events and live performances in limited numbers (2,000 for Peterborough United)

- Personal care including hairdressing is allowed

A more detailed list of new guidelines can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know.

The first review of the tier allocations is due to take place by December 16 and areas making progress in slowing the spread of the virus could be moved down a tier before Christmas.

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said: “I am not happy Peterborough will find itself within Tier 2 restrictions next week - but things at least will be better than this week. Shops will reopen and we can go out for a meal again - unlike areas in Tier 3.

“We need a plan to try and get Peterborough into Tier 1. That is why this afternoon I have been out with my friend Zillur Hussain and the Zi Foundation handing out free masks on Lincoln Road.

“We all need to remember the rules and follow social distancing. A City moving in the right direction is what we all want for Christmas.”

Reacting to the news, MP for North West Cambridgeshire Shailesh Vara said: “I welcome the lifting of the restrictions and the news that the infection rate appears to be levelling.

“However, it is not the time to become complacent. Infection rates remain high in certain areas and we therefore need to return to the tier system.

“Whilst Peterborough will have to comply with restrictions imposed in Tier 2 areas, we must work together to get the R (reproduction) rate down with the aim of attaining Tier 1.”

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer said: “We have been informed that we will be moving into Tier 2 restrictions from December 2 and, whilst I accept this, I understand the frustration and disappointment of so many households and businesses who have worked tirelessly to follow the government guidelines and go above and beyond to keep families and customers safe.

“The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Business Board will continue to support business via our Growth Hub, and for those business concerned about the impact of Tier two restrictions please do email [email protected] for the support of a dedicated adviser.

“As we think ahead to Christmas it is vital that we listen to the advice of Liz Robin, director of public health for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and reduce contact with anyone you don’t live with, work from home wherever possible, keep to well ventilated rooms, wash hands regularly and wear a mask wherever possible when you are in indoor public places.”

Labour’s mayoral candidate for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson, a children’s doctor at Hinchingbrooke hospital, said: “It’s not the best news to enter the festive period with but sadly shows we still have a way to go before we get this deadly virus under control.

“I hope that we can all continue our bit to stop the spread of Covid and, most importantly, all stay safe.

“I feel for all the local businesses which are continuing to struggle to keep their heads above water at this difficult time.

“As mayor I would press for decent economic support to help local businesses and to protect jobs and livelihoods.

“I believe public health will play an important part in our recovery and my medical training and working on the front line during the pandemic has given me crucial experience in driving that forward.”

News that Lincolnshire has been put in Tier 3 has been met with dismay by South Holland District Council leader Gary Porter.

Lord Porter, the Conservative former chair of the Local Government Association, said: “It’s disappointing the Government has placed South Holland into Tier 3 despite below average indicators and the fact that Peterborough has been placed in Tier 2 which borders our district. This shows a lack of nuanced thinking from the Government.

“While this is disappointing news, especially for our businesses in the pub and restaurant sectors who were relying on Christmas trade, now is the time to come together as a community and let’s get out of these restrictions as soon as we can. So please, continue to look after one another, continue to listen to advice and keep safe.”