Whole of Essex to be in Tier 4 from Boxing Day

The Government has today (Wednesday 23 December) announced that Colchester, Tendring and Uttlesford will join the rest of Essex in Tier 4 – the highest local Covid alert level – from 00.01am on Saturday 26 December.

The Government’s decision comes after a review which shows the latest data for the three areas has significantly increased and continues to climb in line with other areas of the county which were placed in Tier 4 on Sunday 20 December

Current data shows rates in Colchester are currently at 257.3 per 100,000, Tendring at 227.8 and Uttlesford at 314.3.

Decisions on which area goes into which Tier are based on five key epidemiological indicators*, including current and projected pressure on local health services.

The number of people seriously ill with Covid across Essex is already having a significant impact on local health services across the county on top of the annual winter pressures they face.

The latest data shows that 762 beds across Essex Hospital Trusts are currently occupied by confirmed Covid patients.

Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said:

“The earlier move to Tier 4 for these remaining areas of Essex only serves to highlight the severity of the situation we are currently in and while these latest restrictions will have a significant impact on residents and businesses in those areas, they are unfortunately necessary.

“We continue to work hard to stem rising infection rates across Essex, including increasing our testing capacity and improving our local track and test efforts. We also remain committed to supporting local communities and businesses affected by the restrictions, as well as protecting our local health services.

“However, we need the help of the people of Essex; for any of our work to be as effective as it can be, everyone must play their part.

“This is the time to act, to follow the guidance and not to give up. I urge residents across the county to do so to protect themselves and those they love. If we all socially distance, wash our hands regularly and wear a face covering when required, we will reduce the rate of infection sooner – the power really is in our hands.”

In Tier 4, residents must not leave or be outside of their home or garden except where they have a ‘reasonable excuse’. This includes for work only if they are unable to work from home, essential activities such as food shopping within the local area, education and childcare purposes, exercise and recreation, medical reasons and communal worship.

To reduce social contact, the regulations will also require some businesses to close. These include non-essential retail, hospitality venues, accommodation, leisure and sport facilities, entertainment venues, indoor attractions and personal care facilities, such as hairdressers.

Essex residents who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable and living under Tier 4 restrictions, are once again being advised by the Government to shield in order to protect themselves from catching Covid.

Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable will receive a letter from the Government, outlining the new guidance, including 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.

The full guidance for Tier 4 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home

The planned Government review of tiers nationally is still scheduled to take place on Thursday 30 December.