Covid: Parts of Essex to be moved to tier 3 from Wednesday

Essex, along with London and parts of Hertfordshire, will be moved up to tier three from 00:01 GMT on Wednesday

Parts of Essex will be placed into England's highest level of coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow, Epping Forest, Castle Point, Rochford, Maldon, Braintree, Chelmsford, Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea will move into tier three due to a "sharp rise" in cases.

From 00:01 GMT on Wednesday, pubs and restaurants will be takeaway only.

Residents are also advised against travelling to other areas.

Basildon University Hospital began offering the vaccine last week

London and parts of Hertfordshire will also be placed into tier three, Mr Hancock told MPs.

Essex County Council said it understood how "disappointing" a move to tier three was for residents but urged people to "follow restrictions relevant to your area".

The authority said it "argued strongly" to remain in tier two given the impact on jobs and businesses in the run up to Christmas, but it understood "the need to act".

Council leader David Finch said: "We will lobby the government to ensure our Essex businesses have all the support they need during this very challenging time."

The Conservative MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon, said he was concerned about how the tougher restrictions would affect businesses in his constituency.

"I have real worries about Harlow being put in to tier three as local hospitality businesses are really struggling and on their knees," he said.

Mr Halfon asked the health secretary to consider keeping the area in tier two, but Mr Hancock said action needed to be taken.

"Let's work together to get Harlow into tier two as soon as possible to save lives, protect the NHS in Harlow and to give people their livelihoods back too," Mr Hancock said.

What are tier three (very high) rules?

• You cannot mix indoors, in private gardens or in most outdoor venues, except with your household or bubble

• You can meet in a group of up to six in other outdoor spaces, such as parks, beaches or countryside

• Shops, gyms and personal care services (such as hairdressing) can stay open

• Bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must stay closed, except for delivery and takeaway

• Sports fans cannot attend events in stadiums

• Indoor entertainment venues - such as bowling alleys and cinemas - must stay closed

• People are advised not to travel to and from tier three areas

Read more about the tier three rules

Leader of Thurrock Council, Rob Gledhill, said it was "most disappointing" he had not been consulted by the government on the decision to move the area into tier three.

"This was not the most desirable outcome to say the least and it will be a big blow to many including to our hospitality sector and the supply chain," the Conservative councillor said.

"I will be working with partners in our local area to move out of tier three as quickly as possible."

The Confederation of British Industry said the government should do "everything possible" to help businesses survive

Basildon Council's Labour leader Gavin Callaghan said he was "frustrated" for firms and residents.

"Tier three restrictions will devastate our hospitality businesses at their busiest time of the year and is unfair when the science has been telling us for weeks that they are not the cause of our high infection rates," he said.

Richard Tunncliffe from the Confederation of British Industry, said the financial impact of moving into tier three would be "stark".

"Businesses - particularly those in sectors like retail and hospitality - will have been counting on a festive fillip to help mitigate months of hardship, and further restrictions now will come as a devastating blow," he said.

"Thousands of jobs and livelihoods could be at risk."

Essex County Council said it will continue to roll-out more testing

Sir Bernard Jenkin, Conservative MP for Harwich and North Essex, whose constituency in the districts of Tendring and Colchester will remain in tier two, welcomed the government's decision not place all of the county in tier three.

"I'm relieved that east Essex is left out of this," he said.

Mr Jenkin said the west of the county had been "much more affected" by the virus due to the number of residents "commuting in and out of London".

Tendring District Council's leader Neil Stock welcomed the news that the area, which includes Clacton, Frinton, Harwich, Manningtree and Walton-on-the-Naze, will stay in the lower tier and said it was "testament to the good work of our residents, businesses and visitors".

"However, we must not be complacent. Cases in Tendring are still rising - albeit more slowly than other parts of Essex and the region - and it is therefore absolutely vital that everyone continues to be vigilant and follow safety measures.

"So go out and visit our restaurants and hospitality venues. But wear a mask where needed, frequently wash your hands, and above all maintain social distancing of two metres."

Meanwhile, the health secretary told the Commons a new variant of coronavirus has been identified "which may be associated with the faster spread in the south of England".

• A SIMPLE GUIDE: How do I protect myself?

• IMPACT: What the virus does to the body

• RECOVERY: How long does it take?

• LOCKDOWN: How can we lift restrictions?

• ENDGAME: How do we get out of this mess?

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