Graham Stuart MP reacts to East Riding and Hull's move to Tier 2 of coronavirus restrictions

Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness in the East Riding of Yorkshire, has reacted to the Government’s decision to upgrade the region’s ‘Local COVID Alert Level’ to high, starting from 00:01 on Saturday 31st October.

Also known as ‘Tier 2’, it is the middle of the three bands of restrictions introduced by the Government on 12th October in order to simplify the rules of local lockdowns across the country.

More than half of the population of the UK are currently living in either Tier 2 or Tier 3 areas, with the East Riding and Hull set to be the latest area to have added restrictions placed on them, following extensive discussions between Ministers, local councils and public health bodies.

Under Tier 2, people from different households are banned from meeting indoors, including in restaurants and pubs as well as in private homes. The ‘Rule of 6’ must be adhered to in all outdoor settings, including in private gardens as well as public spaces. People should follow social distancing rules when meeting friends and family from other households outdoors.

Exceptions to the ban on the indoor mixing of households include where a single-adult household has joined with another household to form a ‘support bubble’ and ‘childcare bubbles’, where someone another household can provide informal care to children under 13. More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-high.

Commenting on the measures, Graham said: “With cases in our area rising sharply in our area over the last few days and weeks, particularly around Hornsea in my constituency, it’s vitally important we take steps to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

“I appreciate the concerns that some of my constituents might have after their significant sacrifices over the past few months, but moving up to Tier 2 will help us to reduce the ‘R-rate’,  protect the most vulnerable, and prevent our local health services from becoming overwhelmed.

“I will continue to work closely with East Riding Council, the Humber Local Resilience Forum, Government Ministers and other local bodies to ensure that people in my constituency are supported.

“I’d strongly encourage everyone in Beverley and Holderness to follow the council’s 3 steps to safety – Prevent, Notice, Act – washing your hands more regularly and following social distancing rules, being aware of Covid-19 symptoms, and self-isolating and getting a test if you have symptoms.”