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New Forest's move to Tier 4 Covid restrictions 'no surprise' to council leader




Coronavirus infections in the New Forest have been rising (picture: PA)
Coronavirus infections in the New Forest have been rising (picture: PA)

THE New Forest joining the rest of Hampshire in Tier 4 today (Thursday) came as “no surprise” to the leader of the county council who urged people to follow the rules.

Cllr Keith Mans, who represents Brockenhurst, said action had to be taken as the rush of new coronavirus cases showed the urgency of the situation as a more infectious strain gains ground in parts of the UK.

He was responding to health secretary Matt Hancock announcing in the House of Commons yesterday that swathes of the country, including the New Forest and BCP Council area, would be upgraded to the Tier 4 “stay at home” level.

Cllr Mans, who is also chair of the local outbreak engagement board, said: “This comes as no surprise following a surge of cases across Hampshire and its surrounding local authority areas and is a reflection of the seriousness of the situation.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is to heed the government’s advice to stay at home, particularly those who are elderly or clinically extremely vulnerable, and to limit travel to essential journeys only.”

New Forest District Council has closed its leisure centres, as the rules require gyms and personal care services such as hair salons to shut, as well as non-essential retail.

Cllr Keith Mans
Cllr Keith Mans

Also closing their doors to customers are hotels, although hospitality venues can stay open to provide food and drink takeaways until 11pm.

Residents may not leave their Tier 4 area, unless for certain reasons such as health or if they cannot work from home. The NFDC area had been in Tier 3 and BCP, which includes Christchurch, in Tier 2.

Cllr Mans added: “While I fully understand that people may be fed up with the restrictions being imposed on our everyday lives, it’s crucial that we get transmission rates down.

“We must continue to work together, follow the rules for our Tier and protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. Positively, the vaccine is now rolling out offering vital protection to the most vulnerable – bringing us hope for a healthier and happier spring.”

The key restrictions for Tier 4 require:

  • Residents to stay at home, apart from limited exemptions set out in law
  • Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, and personal care services to close
  • People to work from home if they can but they may travel to work if this is not possible, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors
  • Those who are ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ are advised to stay at home at all times, unless for exercise or medical appointments, and not to attend work, even if they are unable to work from home
  • People not to enter or leave Tier 4 areas, and Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home. Individuals can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space.

Full details of the Tier 4 restrictions are available online at www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home



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