New Covid restrictions for Sheffield 'to be announced in coming days'

The expected moves comes after Sheffield’s latest Covid-19 rate to October 4 showed a consistent rise as cases reaching more than 300 positive cases per 100,000 people.

Council bosses say they are still waiting for a Government announcement to be made, and that they will provide further updates as soon as we know what the measures are and what they mean.

However, possibilities include a ban on households mixing as has taken place in Nottinghamshire or further restrictions for hospitality venues.

Director of public of health at Sheffield Council, Greg Fell, said: “We, like you, are still waiting to hear what the new restrictions will be and what this means for our residents, business and communities in Sheffield.

"Until a formal announcement is made by the Secretary of State, we do not know what extra measures will be put in place to keep our city safe.

“Until this time, my advice to residents is to keep playing your part to combat this dangerous virus which is very much in circulation in our communities.

"I cannot express this clearly enough; if you have symptoms do not leave home unless it is to get a test, this does not mean that you can go to the shops or the local pub, or visit family and friends: you must isolate.

"Continue to maintain distance from people outside your household, wear your face covering where required and wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser gel.

"Be prepared: we advise people to have medicines and food in case you are contacted by the NHS test and trace system.”

And Councillor Julie Dore, leader at Sheffield City Council, said: “We want to make it clear that we understand that no-one wants to see further restrictions placed on the way we live our lives in Sheffield, but we must put the safety of our city and those who live and work in it first.

"We must do whatever it takes to stem the spread of the virus in our communities. We cannot achieve this unless we all play our part.

“If this means more stringent measures to protect the public then we do it for as long as it takes to stop this dangerous virus from circulating further.

"However, we do expect the Government to follow through with the appropriate support packages that will be required to mitigate the financial and economic impact of these measures.

“How long these new measures may last and how much further they may need to go on for in the coming weeks and months, will depend on everyone playing their part.

“I want to assure everyone that we are prepared to do what it takes to prevent further spread of the virus in the city. Until that time, we can only advise everyone to be vigilant and to be prepared. It’s as simple as that.”

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