North Kesteven council leader calls on residents to do their bit to get out of Tier 3 quickly

The Leader of North Kesteven District Council has called upon all residents to try their hardest to drive down infection rates and get out of Tier 3 as soon as possible after the government announced its plans this morning (Thursday).
Sleaford during the second national lockdown. Hospitality businesses will have to stay closed apart from takeaway, drive-through and delivery under Tier 3 restrictions.  EMN-200711-171328001Sleaford during the second national lockdown. Hospitality businesses will have to stay closed apart from takeaway, drive-through and delivery under Tier 3 restrictions.  EMN-200711-171328001
Sleaford during the second national lockdown. Hospitality businesses will have to stay closed apart from takeaway, drive-through and delivery under Tier 3 restrictions. EMN-200711-171328001

Coun Richard Wright said being placed in Tier 3 – Very High Alert – “vividly illustrates” the fact that transmission and levels of infection remain higher than we would like.

He hoped it helped everyone focus energies on compliance and positive intent to drive down rates as soon as we can.

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Coun Wright went on: “I acknowledge that it will be disappointing to some residents and businesses which were hoping to get back to a position that is closer to normal, and as a council we will be supporting those most affected, such as with access to grants for the hospitality trades.

“But right now it is essential that we focus our minds on what we all need to do to bring the transmission rate down and ultimately move towards the lower tiers.

“While North Kesteven’s rates are lower than some others, we know that the virus doesn’t respect administrative boundaries and need to work together to keep the virus under control. The way to lift the whole of Lincolnshire out of Tier 3 is by acting responsibly.

“I thank everyone for all they are doing in washing hands, covering their face and maintaining good space and ask that we redouble our efforts; doing our very best to protect each other, our loved ones and those offering us an ongoing service in shops, healthcare and other public functions.”

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He also asked people to focus on saving lives, protecting the capacity of the NHS and suppressing the virus as soon as possible. “That is the route to economic recovery and a more fulfilling Christmas season and a hopeful 2021,” said Coun Wright.

Leader of the Lincolnshire Independents opposition on the district council, Coun Marianne Overton, who is also a county councillor said the government should have engaged more with local councils on the situation.

She said: “Our infection rates have dropped since the current lockdown has started to take effect, but the overall figures are still high. As the latest data shows, we are in the second highest category in the country with around 300 cases per 100,000 people, above the UK average. https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

“Councils should have been better engaged. The government has imposed the tiers based on six criteria. (Rate and direction, R rate and hospital.) However in tier 2, businesses who rely on a high attendance to be viable struggle and argue it is almost better to know where you stand and be compensated properly,” she said.

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“The council has now discretionary funds from government for up to 70 per cent of proven lost income, but it is a limited pot. It is vital for businesses to claim now what they need to stay afloat and to keep people employed.”

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Coun Overton added: “It remains important to remember we can keep ourselves safe by the three simple rules of maintaining our distance, wearing a mask if near others and washing hands properly.”