Leader reacts to decision to put Warwickshire into Tier 4

Following the latest Government Tier review, Stratford-on-Avon District together with Warwickshire will move into the toughest COVID-19 restrictions of Tier 4.

This means people must stay at home, except for permitted reasons and all but essential shops must close. Hospitality venues, such as pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants remain closed except for takeaway. You are also only able to meet with one other person from another household in a public, outdoor space.

The restrictions also mean that the District Council's leisure centres in Alcester, Shipston, Southam, Stratford and Studley will have to close.

Covid Business Rates Grants will be available while Tier 4 restrictions remain in place. 
Please note - if businesses have already applied for a grant under National Lockdown or Tier 3 they do not need to complete any new form for Tier 4, as we will use the existing form.   
 
According to the latest figures Stratford-on-Avon's infection rate is now 174 cases per 100,000 people with 227 cases of Covid-19 confirmed in the District between 19 December and 25 December, this is an increase of 37 from the previous week.

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "It is disappointing that cases have been increasing steadily across the District with the natural spread of the virus.  We have done well to keep it at bay to some extent and not see the rapid case rises seen in other parts of the county.

"Being put into the highest tier is of continued concern for the area, in particular our businesses, but with transmission rates of the virus increasing across the country there was an inevitability about the decision.

"The latest figures for positive cases and hospital beds with Covid patients leave us with no choice but to accept Tier 4."

This change will take affect from midnight tonight.

For full details on what this means visit the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home

You should only go out for essential trips, such as to go to work, school, or to pick up essentials such as food and medicine. You must not leave Tier 4, except for work, education, support bubble visits or medical care.

You cannot meet any other households, except for support bubbles or childcare bubble arrangements, though you can meet one other person outside in a public space. You can continue to exercise outdoors; alone, as part of a household or support bubble, or with one other person while maintaining social distancing.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised to stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend health appointments. If they cannot work from home, they are advised not to go to work and claim any support where eligible.

Non-essential retailers, pubs and restaurants, and close contact services such as hairdressers must close. Delivery and click-and-collect services can continue, but close contact services cannot operate in people's homes. Entertainment venues and indoor attractions must also close.