East Riding to move into COVID-19 local alert level 2

Residents of the East Riding are being urged to follow new COVID-19 safety guidance with the news that the area will move into local alert level 2 (High) of the three-level restrictions system. 

Based on the advice and guidance of public health experts, including the chief medical officer, the East Riding will move from local alert level 1 (Medium) to local alert level 2 (High) following an increase in the rate of COVID-19 cases across all age ranges (including older age groups) and the knock on effect this is now having on the NHS, including an increase in people being admitted to hospital with COVID-19.

Additional restrictions, such as no indoor mixing of different households, will come into effect across the whole of the East Riding from 00.01am on Saturday, 31 October 2020. 

The Government announced that the East Riding, along with neighbouring areas including Hull, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire, will be placed at the high local alert level (2) following a recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the region. 

The extra restrictions, listed below, are aimed at helping to control the spread of the virus. 

Councillor Richard Burton, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said the authority would continue to do everything it could to support local people and save lives while continuing to provide important services to East Riding communities. 

He said: "Residents and businesses of the East Riding have been fantastic in their efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 and in supporting each other through this global pandemic and I'm confident that they will respond positively to this new phase of the public health crisis by doing what is being asked of them. 

"We said from the start that we would need to have a collective #TogetherEastRiding public spirit to get through this and to also be flexible in our approach to what continues to be a rapidly-changing situation. 

"The change in local alert level will bring new challenges. We know that our residents and businesses have selflessly prioritised the health and wellbeing of themselves, their families and friends and their wider communities.

"I know that this news will be met with understandable concern and frustration, but we must now ask for that same selfless resolve again so that we can come through this together.

"While the situation continues to be challenging, both in terms of public health and the economy, we can see a way forward and light is beginning to shine at the end of the tunnel.

"There are reasons for optimism. More is now known about COVID-19 than at the start of the pandemic and good progress continues to be made in terms of vaccine development and with respect to the use of therapeutics to aid in treatment.

"We need people to adapt and to remain resilient and positive, as they adjust and follow these new measures, so that we can avoid any further restrictions in the future.

"In the coming weeks, the council will refresh its online health and wellbeing offer to help residents during the winter and we will also continue to work with our partners and with businesses to keep offering controlled and safe spaces for people to enjoy and to keep the East Riding as a fantastic and safe place to live, work, shop, learn, play, invest and visit.

Andy Kingdom, director of public health for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, urged residents to keep following the council's 3 Steps To Safety: Prevent. Notice. Act. 

He said: "Handwashing, respecting social distance and wearing face coverings when appropriate, and unless you are exempt, are simple but extremely effective ways people can help to prevent the spread of the virus. 

"Equally important are always noticing when you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms and immediately acting to get tested as soon as possible and self-isolating. 

"Self-isolation means staying at home if you have any symptoms, if you have been tested but are waiting for the result, if you have tested positive or if you have been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service or the council and have been advised to self-isolate. 

"If any of these apply to you, do not go out. Stay at home. Self-isolate. Do not mix with other people from outside your household unless they are part of your support bubble. 

"If people do the right thing, by doing these basic things correctly, then they can curb the spread of the virus and not only protect themselves but protect their loved ones, avoid further restrictions on their daily lives and ultimately save lives." 

From 00.01am on Saturday, 31 October 2020, the new local alert level 2 restrictions for the East Riding will mean: 

• You must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them. This includes private homes and any other indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants.

• You may continue to see friends and family you do not live with outdoors, including in a garden or other outdoor space. When you do so, you must not meet in a group of more than six people.

• Visiting indoor hospitality/leisure/retail settings is restricted to one household i.e. two households must not meet in these settings (unless those two households are in a support bubble).

• In agreement with the Government, the council is looking at ways to facilitate visits in care homes. However, the absolute priority is that we need to continue keeping COVID-19 out of care settings.

• You may continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, for work, voluntary, charitable or youth services, or to access education, within a high alert level area, but you should and aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible. If you need to travel we encourage you to walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. This will allow you to practice social distancing while you travel.

• You can still go on holiday outside of your area, but you should only do this with people you live with, or have formed a support bubble with (dependent on any local restrictions in the area you are visiting).

• People can play a team sport only where this is formally organised by a sports club or similar organisation, and sports-governing body guidance has been issued.

• People should not attend amateur or professional sporting events as spectators.

• Wedding receptions and celebrations can continue for up to 15 people in the form of a sit-down meal and in a COVID-19-secure setting, not in a private dwelling.
• Up to 30 people can attend a funeral, and 15 for a wake in a COVID-19-secure setting, not in a private dwelling. 

To learn more about the new measures and what support is available for residents, businesses and local communities, visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/3stepstosafety 

If you do have any symptoms of COVID-19 - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - you can request a test at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.