Derby to be placed under to ‘Very High’ COVID alert level

The government has announced that Derby will be placed under COVID alert level ‘Very High’ – often referred to as Tier 3 – restrictions from 2 December at 12.01am, following national lockdown restrictions coming to an end.

Earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that the national restrictions would end on Wednesday 2 December and be replaced by a strengthened tier system.

Areas placed under Tier 3 (the highest COVID alert level) are those with significant transmission within the community.

There are some alterations to the measures previously put in place in ‘Very High’ alert level areas. As well as following the national guidance to wash our hands, keep our distance and wear a face covering if we can, the ‘Very High’ restrictions mean:

• Meeting with friends and family: No mixing of households indoors, or most outdoor places, apart from support bubbles. Maximum of six in some outdoor public spaces (e.g. parks, public gardens).
• Hospitality: Bars, Pubs and Restaurants Hospitality is closed, with the exception of sales by takeaway, drive-through or delivery.
• Shops: Retail, including ‘non-essential shops’ are able open.
• Working and business: Everyone who can work from home should continue do so.
• Education: Schools, colleges and universities can remain open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children, and childcare bubbles are also permitted.
• Leisure centres: Indoor leisure is permitted; however, group activities and classes should not take place.
• Travel: Should avoid travelling outside your area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Reduce the number of journeys where possible. Plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble.
• Sport: Adult sport can take place outdoors, but people should avoid higher-risk contact activity. Group exercise activities and sports indoors should not take place, unless with your household or bubble. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue.
• Residential care: COVID-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods, and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits inc. contact).
• Hotels: Accommodation Closed (with limited exceptions)
• Overnight stays: Avoid staying overnight outside of your area, unless necessary for work or education.
• Weddings and funerals: Up to 15 guests permitted for weddings, civil partnerships and wakes; 30 for funerals. Wedding receptions not permitted.
• Entertainment: Indoor venues closed.
• Places of Worship: Open but cannot interact with anyone outside household or support bubble.
• Large events: Events should not take place. Drive-in events permitted.

All restrictions are monitored and evaluated by the government, Public Health England and local councils to ensure they are still necessary and appropriate for the area. A review of each local area tier placement will take place every two weeks.

The Government has also announced plans to allow families and loved ones to spend time together over the Christmas period. Between 23 and 27 December, the three households will be allowed to form a temporary “Christmas bubble”. This will be allowed in all areas of the country, regardless of its local alert level.

They can mix indoors and stay overnight. The bubbles will be fixed, so you will not be able to mix with two households on Christmas Day and two different ones on Boxing Day. Full details are available on the Government website.

Community support will be available to those who need it. Derby’s Community Hub can be contacted on 01332 640000. A text service is also available using 07774 333412.

Earlier this week, Derby City Council implemented a system to support NHS Test and Trace at a local level. In partnership with the national Test and Trace operation, the programme will see Derby City Council support in contacting those who have tested positive for COVID-19 but have not responded to contact by the NHS system.

You can read more details about the system and what each tier entails on the government website.