From the editor: 'Hello tier 3, now show us how we fight our way to the exit'

This weekend the whole of South Yorkshire moves into the most restrictive of measures in tier three.
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When the announcement came yesterday morning it was a huge relief for some and the moment others had dreaded. More financial help but

We do have to look after our most vulnerable, you would have to be a fool to argue against that. However, are those most at risk from this virus any safer under the new measures than they were under the old? What about all those who work long hours for little reward and were already struggling to put food on the table for their families. Many of their jobs have now gone, tragically we will see businesses fold and so their salaries could be gone forever. There is understandably lots of frustration that Sheffield’s rates have been falling in recent days yet it has made no difference to the response. While the numbers of those with covid continues to rise in the surrounding towns, you can’t blame Sheffielders for being confused and more than a little annoyed.

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But we have no choice. The negotiating – if it took place in the way you would hope where we put up a bloody good fight for South Yorkshire – was behind closed doors so we have a done deal, like it or lump it.

Looking over Sheffield from Meersbrook Park. Picture: Chris EtchellsLooking over Sheffield from Meersbrook Park. Picture: Chris Etchells
Looking over Sheffield from Meersbrook Park. Picture: Chris Etchells

We must follow the rules because we must look after the people of this region and we must work hard to get out of the tougher restrictions. Ah, hold on, there is a slight problem there. Not so much the moving goalposts that we have seen so many times during this pandemic but nothing to aim for at all.

How on earth do we get out of tier three, what are the criteria and who will lead us there?

If you are trying to run a business, support the lonely, help your family or just survive, you need to understand the exit plan.

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We all know the problems that tougher lockdown brings so, for all of our mental health and wellbeing, please give us some guidance on this most important point.

Reviews are good but not concrete enough. The government clearly stuck to its guns on tiers, now we must stick to ours. Knowing what we are aiming for is the most obvious and easy way to get us united, pulling together towards a goal and not just wallowing in the misery of a very long, dark winter ahead. Here’s to hope.