Keeping Sheffield in Tier 3 was the "Right Decision" says health chief

Today’s Government announcement has confirmed that Sheffield will remain in tier 3, the ‘very high alert’ category.

Reacting to the news Greg Fell, Director of Public Health for Sheffield, said ‘Our figures were going down, but sadly, this is no longer the case, therefore I believe it’s the right decision for us to remain in tier 3.”

He said over the Christmas period, people will need to exercise caution and be aware of the risks associated with larger numbers of people gathering in small enclosed spaces.

When will the next review be as Sheffield and South Yorkshire stay in Tier 3 ?

“We really must all think about our safety and that of our loved ones when deciding whether we want to mix with 3 households or not over the five days when the rules are relaxed,” he said.

“One of the elements of Christmas in particular is about the young and the old being together and this is the greatest risk. Covid won’t be taking a Christmas break; it will still be taking its chances wherever and whenever it can.

Mr Fell added: “There are still many people in hospital, staff are exhausted and working extremely hard to keep going and we have Covid now at the same time as the peak winter pressures for all of the winter, not a month or so like last March.

“We must, then, do the right things which are to remember to keep two metres away from those not in your bubble, wear a mask in crowded places and public settings, wash your hands regularly, use separate towels and don’t touch your face with hands that are not clean. We all need to do this to protect our families and friends and to protect ourselves.

“I thank all those in the city who have been vigilant, which I know hasn’t been at all easy. We must still continue to follow the guidance and whilst we know that the introduction of a vaccine will start to make a difference, the rollout will take considerable time.”

Another tier update is expected on 30 December.

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