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Bristol set to move back into tier 3
The relief has been short-lived for Bristol’s businesses and residents as the city is to go back into tier 3 just a week after restrictions were eased.
Matt Hancock made the announcement on Wednesday and the new rules will come into force one minute after midnight on Boxing Day (Saturday, December 26).
The health secretary warned the new variant of the virus is “spreading at a dangerous rate” as he confirmed new tier systems for many areas of the UK, including North Somerset, which is also switching back to tier 3.
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The news will come as a blow to the many businesses that have only just reopened their doors after the temporary shift to tier 2 came into play on Saturday.
It is not unexpected though as the number of Covid-19 cases has risen sharply again in the last week and the city now has an infection rate of 156 new cases per 100,000 people. In the past seven days, from those tested, there were 721 positive results in the city, according to Bristol City Council figures.
Responding to the news on Wednesday, mayor Marvin Rees said: “In the past few weeks, many of us have continued to make sacrifices to drive down the Covid-19 infection rates.
“I know people will be disappointed we have moved back into tier 3, but infection rates are increasing in Bristol and we must continue to protect each other.
“This Christmas and New Year will look very different to last year, but if we all continue doing the best we can to follow guidelines and protect one another, we can be hopeful of a return to the things we love next year.”
Rees also acknowledged the impact the move back to tier 3 will have on businesses, particularly the hospitality industry, and those who have been so far excluded from the government’s financial support measures.
“I know moving back into tier 3 will be shattering news for those in the hospitality sector who desperately needed the boost during the festive season, but unfortunately our rising infection rates mean difficult decisions must be taken to protect Bristol,” said the mayor.
“We urge government to consider the economic consequences as part of the decision-making process around tiering decisions, and to recognise the total number of businesses within cities like Bristol, something not currently reflected in the government formula that determines the amount of funding each city gets to support its people.”
Responding to the changes, MP for Bristol East Kerry McCarthy said on Twitter: “We didn’t ask to be moved into Tier 2 and this is, sadly, I think the right move. We have to hope this will stop us having to go into Tier 4.”
The new tier restrictions will mean Bristol’s cafes, restaurants, pubs will have to close their doors again for all but takeaways or deliveries, as will indoor entertainment and tourist venues.
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Leisure and sports facilities can stay open but there are no spectators allowed in stadiums, dashing the hopes of many with tickets for Boxing day matches.
Places of worship may remain open but some in the city may be voluntarily staying shut.
More information on the tier rules is available via www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert.
Read more: Mammoth effort to meet spiralling demand as food poverty in Bristol soars
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