Statement on Tier 3 restrictions being introduced across the whole of Hertfordshire

PR Date: Thursday, 17 December 2020 - 3:15pm

Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has today announced that from Saturday 19 December, the county of Hertfordshire will move into Tier 3 - Very High Alert restrictions.

Tier 3 will come into effect from 00:01 on 19 December across the entire county, which includes North Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire has moved into Tier 3 to curtail the rapidly rising number of coronavirus cases in the county.

Tier 3 restrictions will include, but are not limited to:

• 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).
• Bars, pubs and restaurants must close, with the exception of sales by takeaway, drive-through or delivery.
• Everyone who can work from home should do so.
• Avoid travelling outside your area, other than where necessary such as for work or education.

Cllr Martin Stears-Handscomb, Leader of North Hertfordshire District Council said: “It is incredibly worrying how quickly the COVID-19 virus is now spreading across the county. Tier 3 is only introduced when there is a very high rate of positive COVID-19 cases or if there is a very rapid rising level of infections. The vaccine is on the way but until then, we all need to play our part and do whatever we can to stop the spread of this terrible virus which is affecting so many people every day in the UK.

“Every resident in North Herts needs to take their individual responsibility seriously to protect those who are nearest and dearest to us, as you will help to save the lives of many loved ones. Please wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and socially distance if you are out. I would also strongly urge you to be careful with your plans over Christmas if you were thinking of mixing with extended family or with friends due to the relaxed rules at that time, as it is highly likely many will become infected with COVID-19 during the Christmas break and our NHS services will struggle to cope in January. We do not want to lose any more lives to this horrendous disease.”

David Williams, Leader of Herts County Council said: “In recent weeks, we have been stressing the fundamental importance of everyone in Hertfordshire following the rules and guidance around social contact and distancing, wearing face-coverings when required and washing your hands regularly. The message remains clear and exactly the same – we must all stay disciplined and stick to the guidance and rules if we are to improve the situation in our county.

“It is vital that we all now redouble these efforts, particularly as we all plan for how we will follow the guidance over the Christmas and New Year period, including the ‘Christmas bubble’ rules, which are in place from 23 to 27 December. Before then, it is also imperative that we reduce or even avoid social contact with other people who are not in our household or existing support bubble.

“We fully recognise the huge impact this move into Tier 3 will have on families and businesses. Across Hertfordshire, Local Government, the National Health Service, the Local Enterprise Partnership and many other partners have plans in place to do all we can to support our communities.

“Ultimately, we must all keep playing our part to help reduce the number of cases in the county and take the key steps towards resuming our normal lives.”

For detailed information and guidance on Tier 3 restrictions, including what is and is not allowed to open, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert