Lancaster and Morecambe put into Covid-19 Tier 4

The stricter measures have been deemed necessary to contain the continued spread of the virus, including a mutated strain which is said to be 70 per cent more infectious than previous mutations.

Lancashire residents join millions more people in England to be placed under the toughest restrictions from 00.01 on Thursday December 31 as case numbers continue to rise.

Tier 4 rules include a "stay at home" order, and mean businesses such as non-essential shops, hairdressers and gyms must close.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said in his announcement today that sharply rising cases and the hospitalisations that follow “demonstrate the need to act where the virus is spreading”.

He said the majority of new cases are believed to be the new variant, which is now spreading across most of England, with cases doubling fast.

He said it is therefore necessary to apply Tier 4 measures to a wider area including the remaining parts of the south east, as well as large parts of the Midlands, north west, north east and south west England.

Tier 3 restrictions will also be expanded to Liverpool and North Yorkshire.

Coun Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “Rising rates of infection, the new variant of Covid-19 and the expected knock-on effect of the Christmas relaxation mean that our move into Tier 4 is not unexpected.

“I understand how distressing this news is for people, particularly the local business community, but I would urge everyone to now follow the new restrictions, which are similar to those we followed during the most recent national lockdown.

“If we don’t then we run the real risk of our local hospitals, which are already under increasing pressure, being overwhelmed.

“This means no household mixing inside (apart from within a support bubble), only meeting with a maximum of one other person from another household outdoors, and all non-essential shops, personal care, indoor gyms and hospitality venues must close.

“We must also continue to wash our hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed public places, and make space for others.

“Only by following the rules can we stop the increase in cases and help to protect ourselves and our communities.

“The city council’s focus will continue to be to protect residents, jobs and businesses to reduce health impacts and to mitigate against the undoubted effects that will come from being in Tier 4.

“If you’re a resident that’s struggling our Community Hub is here to help – email [email protected] or call 01524 582000. Businesses can contact our Business Support Hub for help, advice and access to grants by emailing [email protected].

“We will also continue to fight for additional assistance from the Government, which now needs to step up provide more financial support for our economy.”

A total of 381 have now died in Morecambe Bay hospitals after contracting coronavirus.

As of December 23, there were 144 patients in UHMBT hospitals being treated for Covid-19, four of which were on ventilators.

Meanwhile, in Lancaster City Council region itself, the total number of deaths within 28 days of first positive test result for Covid-19 reported up to Tuesday December 29 is 148.

The total number of deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned as a cause on the death certificate, registered up to Friday December 11, is 139.

Meanwhile, a Covid-19 vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca has been approved for use in the UK, with the first jabs expected to be given on Monday January 4.

What does Tier 4 mean?

Under Tier 4 restrictions, non-essential shops, hairdressers, and leisure and entertainment venues must close, with a new “stay at home” message introduced.

People who need to travel for education or childcare are exempt, as are people visiting those in their support bubble; and exercise is unlimited. Where people cannot work from home, they will still be able to travel to work.

Under the measures, households are not allowed to mix, but one person is allowed to meet with one other person outside in a public space. Support bubbles and those meeting for childcare are exempt.

Those who are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable should not go to work and should limit time outside of their homes.

Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home, unless they are staying with someone in their support bubble, and cannot travel abroad.