News that the Government is placing Derbyshire in the ‘very high’ or tier 3 level of its coronavirus alert system when the national lockdown ends on Wednesday (2 December 2020) was disappointing for us all.

It means some tough restrictions will remain in place across Erewash and the rest of the county, so I’m afraid I have to ask you all again to summon your Derbyshire spirit and continue to make sacrifices for a little while longer. 

With Christmas in our sights I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a little cheer after the year we’ve all had, but the virus hasn’t gone away.

As difficult as 2020 has been, without us following the measures put in place it would have been far worse – and I’d urge people not to let their guard down now.

We have to do everything we can to drive infection rates across the county down – including washing our hands, staying apart and wearing a face covering – so that hopefully we can move into a lower alert level.

Under Tier 3 the restrictions mean:

• No mixing of households indoors or in most outdoor places apart from support bubbles. Maximum of 6 in some outdoor spaces (parks, sports courts, public gardens)
• Pubs, restaurants and cafes remain closed, except for take-away, delivery or drive-through
• Shops, hair salons, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can open
• Indoor entertainment venues closed.
• Avoid unnecessary travel out of the area apart from work, childcare, education, medical attention, youth services, caring responsibilities
• No overnight stays outside of local area unless for work, education or similar reasons
• Hotels and overnight accommodation closed (except where for work or because people cannot return home)
• Everyone who can work at home should do so
• Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities open. Registered childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted
• Places of worship open but people should not mix with anyone not in the household or bubble
• 15 guests are allowed at weddings and 30 mourners at funerals. No wedding receptions are allowed
• Exercise classes and organised sport can take place outdoors but avoid higher-risk contact activity. None indoors unless it is with a household or bubble. Organised sport for elite athletes, under 18s and people with disabilities can continue
• Events should not take place. Drive in events permitted.

We all want to celebrate Christmas safely so it‘s more important than ever that we all continue to do everything we can to protect our friends and family by sticking to the rules.

And even though we’ve been given an opportunity to spend time with the people that we love, we have to remember that this virus thrives on people being together so we must all think carefully about the risks of forming bubbles with our elderly and vulnerable relatives - and consider if it’s a risk worth taking.

It’s not the end to 2020 any of us were hoping for. But by pulling together now and doing what needs to be done, we can beat this virus and look forward to a brighter start to 2021.

It’s been a tough year and Christmas is nearly here with the promise of presents, food and a little festivity.

The Government has announced a temporary relaxation on restrictions between 23 and 27 December. But coronavirus has not gone away, so it’s really important that we continue to take precautions. 

That means washing your hands frequently, keeping homes well ventilated, wearing a mask when out and about and keeping your distance from anyone not in your bubble

Between 23 and 27 December the rules are:

• you can form a ‘Christmas bubble’ made up of people from no more than three households
• existing support bubbles count as one household
• you can only be in one Christmas bubble and you cannot change your Christmas bubble
• you can travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting your Christmas bubble
• you can only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
• you cannot meet someone in a private dwelling who is not part of your household or Christmas bubble

you can continue to meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier where you are staying.

Now that the days are shorter and the weather’s colder, we’re all spending more time inside than before.

It’s important to try and keep rooms well ventilated in in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Keep windows and doors open wherever practical but always ensure your home is safe and secured.