Lockdowns “slowly suffocating businesses” says South Yorkshire MP as Tier three restrictions announced
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All of South Yorkshire is set to enter the strictest tier of restrictions after the national lockdown lifts on December 2.
Mat Hancock today announced that the area will be placed into tier three restrictions next week, which means that pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants must remain closed, no meeting indoors with other households, and all entertainment venues must remain closed, including cinemas and museums.
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Hide AdHowever, the restrictions differ from the national lockdown – gyms, hairdressers and personal care businesses will be allowed to reopen, and up to six people may meet outdoors in public.
Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central and Sheffield City Region Mayor called for “clarity and consistency” from the government, and said there is “light at the end of the tunnel”.
Mr Jarvis said: “As we exit the national lockdown, the government has once again put South Yorkshire into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions, Tier 3. We now need them to work with us to make sure we do not stay there a moment longer than necessary, so that our businesses and people get the help they need to get through the pandemic.
“I welcome Government plans to review our tier arrangements every two weeks, because every extra day we are under restrictions could be the difference between a business surviving the pandemic or going under. It is now essential we get a roadmap to get us out of Tier 3 as a matter of urgency. Lockdown must not become limbo.
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Hide Ad“We need absolute clarity and consistency from the government about the criteria for areas moving between the Tiers. We need a test and trace system that is fit for purpose and we need clear communications.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel. In South Yorkshire the rate of new infections, and more importantly the number of older people in hospital with the virus, is moving in the right direction.