Covid-19: Disappointment and call for Christmas rule change as Peterborough moves into Tier 3

The rules for areas on ‘Very High Alert’ will come into force on Saturday, December 19 and will mean pubs and restaurants will have to close apart from for takeaway orders. Fans will also be banned from sports fixtures, including Peterborough United home matches.

The rest of Cambridgeshire will remain in Tier 2.

The announcement was made by Health Secretary Matt Hancock in the House of Commons this morning.

Reacting to the news, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Peterborough City Council Cllr Nick Sandford said: “It is right that government is taking the action necessary to bring rising infection levels in Peterborough under control and it is imperative that everyone complies with the new regulations.

“But government also has an obligation to ensure that businesses that will suffer are adequately compensated, including the many sole traders and small businesses that have missed out on compensation so far.

“People may get confused about the constantly changing rules and guidance, so government should reconsider urgently the proposed changes at Christmas. We saw what happened over the Thanksgiving holiday in the USA and we need to prevent that from happening here too.”

Lockdown rules are being relaxed over five days from December 23 to 27 December, although residents are being urged to be cautious.

North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara said: “Christmas is a time for sharing with family and friends. However, this is no ordinary Christmas and we are living in extraordinary times.

“It is important that everyone exercises caution and responsibility because this deadly virus is very much still with us.”

MP for Peterborough Paul Bristow tweeted: “I am so sorry to see #Peterborough enter into Tier 3. I hoped this could be avoided.

“Peterborough has shown it’s capacity to come together. We got through two lockdowns by looking after each other. We will do it again knowing there is an end in site. #proudofpeterborough.”

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer said: “I have been urging government to fully consider the full impact on families and businesses before altering tiers in this region and I am pleased that government has listened to our case.

“That being said, I am deeply disappointed for the businesses and residents of Peterborough. Moving into Tier 3 will mean much stricter restrictions which will impact on so many, especially in the hospitality sector, at what is normally their busiest time of the year. Government needs to support these businesses and their staff to ensure their regulations do not cause undue hardship.

“Nevertheless, I urge the people of Peterborough to follow the Government Tier 3 safety guidance and take special consideration about not mixing, especially indoors or with people not from their own household or support bubble.

“The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority will continue to signpost and support business via its Growth Hub. Residents must be sensible and use the local economy safely and please do follow the excellent guidance from my colleagues at Peterborough City Council who have been working tirelessly to put measures in place to ramp up the support and public health measures to tackle this pandemic in Peterborough.

“Of course, for the rest of the region that doesn’t mean we have been let off. Tier 2 is still not where we want to be and those in Tier 2 must continue to be vigilant and follow guidance.

“Christmas this year can’t be the same, I would urge caution and control so that we can be certain of doing the things we love with the people we love next year.”