South Yorkshire MPs call for reassurance over Tier 3 lockdown limbo

South Yorkshire is currently in tier two or high alert level of restrictions, which bans households from meeting each other indoors socially.

However, those in support bubbles can meet as before, and groups of up to six people are permitted to meet outdoors.

With many areas in South Yorkshire seeing the coronavirus infection rate rise sharply, there is concern that the region may soon be placed in tier three restrictions, which would lead to the closure of pubs and bars that do not serve food.

Guidance against travelling may also be issued under a tier three lockdown.

Barnsley's public health boss Julia Burrows says that coronavirus is "spreading fast" to vulnerable members of the community, something she has deemed "very worrying".

The most recent seven day rate of new infections in Barnsley is 333.8 per 100,000 people in the population (as of October 13), up by 610 per cent from 14 days ago.

Rotherham's rate per 100,00 stands at 467.1, in the seven days to October 14.

Tighter restrictions must come with a support package for businesses and the self-employed, as well as a clear exit strategies, says Rotherham's Labour MP, Sarah Champion.

Sarah Champion said: "As it looks ever more likely that South Yorkshire will go into Tier 3, the Government needs to give us reassurances on three things; flexible support packages for businesses and the self-employed, clear exit strategies and daily data showing what restrictions are working and what are not having an impact.

"If the Government truly believes its election promises about “levelling up” the country, it needs to trust and resource Local Authorities as they have intimate knowledge about our communities and the skills to implement protection measures appropriately.”

John Healey, MP for Wentworth and Dearne said: "We’re all concerned by rising rates of hospital admissions due to Covid-19, especially among older people. We want to continue to work together and reach agreement with the government about the right restrictions to slow the spread of the virus.

"During the call with the Health Secretary I was clear, as were local leaders, that any tighter restrictions should be targeted and based on evidence on the source of outbreaks.

"We also need proper support to protect businesses and jobs, especially the self-employed which is an important part of the South Yorkshire economy.

"We have only been in tier two for a week and there is a case for seeing if the measures already brought in bring cases down."

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