Whole County Now Tier 4 As Virus Variant Spreads

Published on: 24 Dec, 2020
Updated on: 24 Dec, 2020

All of Surrey will be classified as Tier 4 from Boxing Day as the pandemic spreads, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced yesterday (December 23).

Several new areas are included. Waverley will join the other 10 borough or district areas in Surrey along with much of the South East in Tier 4.

The decision is based on several indicators, including the overall infection rate, the rate in the over 60s, and the pressure on the NHS.

The new measures are closely aligned to the national November restrictions, and mean:

• No household mixing inside (apart from within a support bubble);
• Residents must meet with a maximum of only one other person from another household outdoors; and
• All non-essential shops, personal care, indoor gyms as well as hospitality venues closed.

For full restrictions visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Cllr Tim Oliver

Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council, said: “This virus is spreading and it’s spreading fast. Most of the South East is now in its grip and we must act to support our health service and save lives.

“Staying home and reducing any unnecessary contact is a simple action we can all take and it’s what the experts tell us will be the most help.

“When this pandemic started none of us wanted or expected to end the year still facing this challenge but the sacrifices, we’ve all made have collectively made us safer and we all need to continue and keep everyone as safe as possible.

“Surrey’s Local Resilience Forum, including the county council, will continue our work to ensure help is available for those in need and our public health team will continue to monitor local data every day to track this virus and stop the spread.”

Further guidance and support available can be found at www.surreycc.gov.uk/coronavirus

The government also announced new restrictions on travellers coming to the UK from South Africa as research continues after detection of a new variant of the virus.

The tiers are due to be reviewed on December 30.

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