Fix test and trace first! Anger at region's 'High' tier Covid rating - The Solihull Observer

Fix test and trace first! Anger at region's 'High' tier Covid rating

Solihull Editorial 13th Oct, 2020 Updated: 13th Oct, 2020   0

THE region’s leaders have expressed their anger at the government’s handling of a new three-tier Covid-19 system – as tighter restrictions were placed on the region.

Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton have all been categorised as ‘high risk’, the second of the three tiers.

Under new measures, residents will, from Wednesday, be banned from mixing with other households in any indoor setting, including hospitality venues.

MPs are expected to debate and vote on the measures today, Tuesday, October 13.




While Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week announced a package of support for businesses forced to close due to tighter measures, no new support has been made available to firms in ‘high risk’ category areas.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has joined West Midlands mayor Andy Street and Birmingham City Council leader Councillor Ian Ward in criticising the Government’s handling of Covid restrictions.


Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “We are incredibly disappointed and frustrated at the Government’s handling of the current situation.

“Despite having invested vast sums of money in Covid secure measures, the region’s hospitality sector is being thrown under the bus with no substantial evidence of significant transmission in hospitality settings.

“Despite days of leaking potential measures to the press, yesterday’s announcement came with little detail and no government guidance for businesses.

“At this rate, the government will throw away all that was invested in saving jobs and businesses over the spring and summer through its utter refusal to adapt to the current stark reality.

“We need the Government to step up, fix the failing test and trace system, follow the evidence and deliver meaningful support to save businesses and jobs as we battle through the winter months.”

Mr Street said: “This is not something regional leaders supported, nor what I believed would be happening following extensive conversations over recent days.

“The main problem in the West Midlands remains transmission within household settings, and stricter measures for the hospitality industry will not solve that.

“I am urging the Government to review this decision as soon as possible. In the meantime they must offer financial support to hospitality businesses, which are now set to suffer a loss of income.”

Coun Ward expressed his disappointment but also urged Birmingham residents to ‘do their bit’ in tackling the virus.

He said: “The negative impact of the new restrictions on the [hospitality] sector and the lives of the people who work in it can’t be overstated.

“The sector supports more than 135,000 jobs across the West Midlands and it’s essential that further financial support is made available to those businesses affected. I am now seeking assurances that funding will be provided.

“In order to get these restrictions lifted we need to drive that rate down and that will only happen if everyone does their bit.”

The restrictions, which come into effect from midnight tonight mean that in Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell:

Households will not be able to meet indoors (except with support bubbles) including indoor hospitality as well as private homes

People are advised to minimise the number of journeys they make

While you can still go on holiday, it can only be with people you live with, or your support bubble

Other existing national restrictions continue to apply, including:

Certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am

Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through

Weddings are permitted to have no more than 15 attendees with the same for receptions.

Funerals can only have 30 attendees, with a maximum of 15 at wakes and commemorations.

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