Hull moves to Tier 2 Covid-19 restrictions this weekend
RESTRICTIONS: Hull is moving to Tier 2. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography
Hull is to move into Tier 2 of the coronavirus restrictions, entering the ‘high’ risk category, this weekend.
It means changes to how people are allowed to socialise indoors, including no longer having mixed households in homes.
The new measures, which will also apply to the East Riding, come into effect from 00.01am on Saturday, October 31.
Today’s announcement comes after The Hull Story reported earlier in the week that the number of people being treated for Covid-19 in the region’s hospitals had almost doubled in 72 hours.
Hull’s current seven-day infection rate of 248 per 100,000 of the population has escalated the issue. On September 8 Hull’s rate was 4.4 per 100,000 of population, on September 29 it was 17.3.
Councillor Steve Brady, leader of Hull City Council and chair of the city’s Outbreak Management and Prevention Engagement Board, said: “I urge every person in the city to familiarise themselves with the new rules that come into effect on Saturday. Without significant action, rates in our city will continue to climb, putting all of us, our loved ones and particularly the more vulnerable members of our community at risk.
"We have seen in other areas, with rates higher than Hull, residents coming together and reversing the growing infection trend. We need to do this in Hull to support the NHS, our local hospitals and health workers.
"I know how hard our residents and businesses have worked for many months now and the sacrifices they have made to try to control this virus. The way we have come together as a community to protect each other has been incredible, and we need to continue to stick together."
‘WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER AND PROTECT EACH OTHER’: Councillor Steve Brady
The council’s Director of Public Health, Julia Weldon, said: "This change was expected, and we have been in regular communication with the Government and our neighbouring authorities in preparation for it. The restrictions are one of the only lines of defence we have against coronavirus, and it is vital we all adhere to them.
"Please continue to take care of each other by following the new guidance, washing your hands frequently, maintaining social distance and wearing a face covering when required. Take notice by looking out for the key coronavirus symptoms of a high temperature, new continuous cough or loss or change to sense of taste or smell, and take action by self-isolating immediately and getting a test if symptomatic."
All rules from Tier 1 will remain in place; however, the ‘rule of six’ no longer applies indoors. The extra restrictions will mean:
People must not socialise indoors with anyone who is not part of their household or support bubble, whether at home or in a public space
People can continue to meet family and friends not in their household or support bubble in outdoor settings. When they do so, they must not meet in a group of more than six people
Visiting indoor hospitality, leisure and retail settings is restricted to one household, meaning two households must not meet in these settings, unless they are in a support bubble
People may continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open for work, voluntary, charitable or youth services, or to access education, within a high level alert area, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible
People can still go on holiday outside of the area, but should only do this with people they live with, or have formed a bubble with (dependant on any local restrictions in the area they are visiting)
Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors; these will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with others they do not live with or share a support bubble with. There are exceptions for supervised activities for under-18s and disability sport
People should not attend amateur or professional sporting events as spectators
Businesses and venues can continue to operate in a Covid-secure manner
Certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am
Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm, as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
Schools, colleges, universities and places of worship will remain open
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
For more information and the latest guidance, visit the Government website.