‘This is a marathon and we have a little bit more to run,’ warns Peterborough health boss on city’s new Tier 2 Covid restrictions

Dr Liz Robin said: “It is vitally important that we now work as hard as we can to reduce our rate of infection to protect those we love ahead of some limited relaxation over Christmas. “

She said the tiering structure will be reviewed in two weeks on December 16 and any decisions on changes will be at government level based on local assessments.

When asked if rates became worse, would the Christmas easing of restrictions be put into jeopardy, Dr Robin commented: “Christmas is a national call. People in Peterborough have been really great at doing the right thing and behaving sensibly with regard to Covid-19 and our rates of spread amd infection are much lower than in similar cities, so I know people and communities have been trying really hard and that has been effective.

“If people gave up on that and didn’t follow the rules under Tier 2, were not careful in the way they have been, then there is a risk we could go up into Tier 3.”

But she said she was confident people will be mindful and maintain their current behaviour.

Dr Robin commented: “This means reducing contact with anyone you don’t live with, working from home wherever possible, keeping to well ventilated rooms, washing your hands often and regularly and wearing a mask whenever you are in indoor public places.

“Our infection rates are stabilising or coming down across most areas, so we do know how to respond to this pandemic. We have good plans in place to continue to drive down our infection rates, working with our communities and supporting people to take the right steps to protect themselves and others.“

The authorities are taking necessary steps to help and encourage people to do this. Dr Robin said they will work closely with police and council officials as well as using their own regulatory powers and Covid marshals which have been increasingly active in the city.

Dr Robin said: “We will be getting some more powers but we are not clear on the regulations yet.“

She said they would enforce regulations but said it was also about winning hearts and minds, providing lots of information and supporting anyone who may need to self isolate. This will include lots of guidance for communities on how to celebrate the festive season in a Covid-safe way.

She added: “I have a lot of trust in the people of Peterborough and they have done really well and we just need to keep going. We have a vaccine, the spring is in our sights and hope for the future. This is a marathon and we have a little bit more to run.”

She saw the city as being in a finely balanced position as to whether the virus was on the retreat. “You would expect some decrease in numbers from the lockdown. As we come out of it, it is so important that we don’t lose the progress we have made and all observe the rules and keep to the guidance. I would hope to see a continuing of this levelling off and be back to Tier 1, but it is going to be a tough winter.”

The latest new case rate figure for Peterborough in the seven days to November 23 is 205.7 cases per 100,000 population with 416 new cases recorded compared to a rate of 208.1 the previous wee which represented 421 new diagnosed cases.

This week’s new case rate figures for the city were:

Fri Nov 27: 205.7 per 100,000 (416 new cases), previous week 208.1 per 100,000 (421 new cases).

Thurs Nov 26: 199.2, (403), 213.6, (432)  
Wed Nov 25: 207.7, (420), 214.1, (433)

Tue Nov 24: 200.7, (406), 221.5, (448)

Mon Nov 23: 210.6 (426), 214.6 (434)