Published on Monday 02 November 2020
Leader of the Council Cllr Drew Mellor said:
"Residents should be reassured that we are ready and prepared for any additional measures which need to be taken following this latest government announcement. Our multi-agency approach, which commenced at the start of the pandemic, has continued to operate on an almost daily basis and make preparations for eventualities such as this.
"We will be working to support residents and businesses and work with our public sector partners, including the NHS, to ensure continued delivery of the services which we know people rely on.
"I would particularly like to thank local businesses for working so hard to be covid-compliant and provide services to residents safely. I don’t underestimate the very difficult position that tonight’s announcement places our businesses in, and those in the hospitality sector in particular. We will be working with our local MPs to seek further clarification from the government as soon as possible on whether additional support is available to the hospitality sector to help them through this latest lockdown."
Cllr Nicola Greene, Cabinet Member for Covid Resilience and Public Health, said: "It is clear from the data presented tonight that cases in our area continue to rise across all age groups, with hospital admissions also rising, posing a risk to capacity in a matter of weeks.
"We are grateful to the vast majority of local people for following national guidance on social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene, and for self-isolating when needed.
"I am confident that everyone will continue to do their bit now, staying at home and only having physical contact with those in your household or your exclusive bubble.
"The Together We Can helpline is operational from 9am on Monday on 0300 123 7052 to support anyone requiring support, in particular those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and require help accessing essentials such as food and medicines."