What Sheffielders really think of the new ‘covid tier’ system – which launches today

"I don’t think the new guidance is very clear,” said Malcolm Hobson, of the new ‘covid-tier’ system, which goes live in the region today.
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"I’m staying away from everyone anyway, as I’m a carer for my wife, so any changes don’t really affect me, but guidelines have been very up and down.

“When we first went into lockdown, and people did what they were being asked to, the numbers went down, but then I think they were too lax in lifting the restrictions.

“They should have kept the pubs shut.”

Calida Hartley-PottsCalida Hartley-Potts
Calida Hartley-Potts
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The Star spoke to Sheffield residents this week, following the announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday that the government had established three levels of restrictions, to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 – very high (tier 3), high (tier 2) and medium (tier 1).

Sheffield has been placed in Tier 2, with new rules coming into effect today.

"I live in Derbyshire, and work in Sheffield, and finding the exact definition of what is and isn’t allowed has been almost impossible,” shared Calida Hartley-Potts.

"So I can go to work all day, but I can’t visit my mum’s house?

Malcolm HobsonMalcolm Hobson
Malcolm Hobson
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"I understand there’s a need to balance the economy and health, and it isn’t easy.

"Personally I don’t think anyone knows what they’re doing; all the scientists are saying different things, so how could anybody get it right?”

Jeff Ward, who runs a deli shop in the city centre, said: “As I understand it, so it’s just the domestic situation that’s tightening up, but then my family isn’t mixing with anyone else at the minute anyway.

“I think the general handling of the pandemic has been chaotic, in terms of there being no clear strategy.

Jeff WardJeff Ward
Jeff Ward
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"The government seems to be approaching it from a political point of view rather than a health one.”

The new stricter controls include a ban on different households mixing indoors, including in hospitality venues.

Households can mix outdoors but must adhere to the rule of six and social distancing.

Residents ‘must minimise travel’ but can still travel for education, work and to go on holiday.

Vaughan SteelVaughan Steel
Vaughan Steel
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Travel within the UK is allowed as long as local restrictions in those places are obeyed.

People will also be allowed to leave the county and local authority area but cannot travel to another county to mix with households there.

The hospitality sector ‘will remain open’ and there will be increased financial support and increased support for test and trace in South Yorkshire.

City centre worker, Andrea Machin, said: “The new system is sort of clear, though there are things I don’t agree with about it.

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"My friend hasn’t been able to see her mum for 12 weeks, as she’s in a care home, and I really feel for her.

"I’m in a vulnerable group, but I’m still working, because the government says it can, it’s all a bit confusing.

“I do think we’re crying out for clear leadership – a clear yes or a no, rather than let’s try this or try that.”

Vaughan Steel, owner of a city centre sandwich shop, added: "It seems ridiculous that you can’t meet friends for a drink at the end of the day, but you can work alongside them in an office all day."

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