Newsroom Archive

Despite a reduction in the number of positive cases in the past two weeks, Telford and Wrekin’s current 7-day infection rate sits at around 200 per 100,000 of the population.

Under Tier 2 restrictions people cannot socialise indoors, outdoor socialising is limited to groups of six, people should continue to work from home and reduce the amount of journeys made.

The new local alert Level 2 restrictions Telford and Wrekin will mean:

• People must not socialise indoors with anyone who is not part of their household or support bubble, whether at home or in a public space
• You must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
• You should continue to work from home if you can
• You should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
• Pubs and bars must close unless operating as restaurants. Alcohol must be served with a substantial meal
• Hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm through a delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
• Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
• Organised grassroots sport will be able to resume

Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin’s Director of Public Health, said: “I would like to thank everyone in Telford and Wrekin for helping to curb the spread of the virus by following the rules - those efforts will have prevented further loss of life. 

“However, we cannot breathe a sigh of relief yet, we must continue to follow the Tier 2 restrictions to further reduce our infection rates. 

“It has been encouraging to see our rates fall, but the rate of decline is slowing and we remain higher than the national average.

“The virus spreads to older members of our community when households mix – with Christmas approaching we need to further reduce our numbers by continuing to limit our social contact with other households, washing our hands, wearing masks, and giving people space.”

Andy Burford, cabinet member for Health and Social Care, said: “It is welcome that Telford and Wrekin are returning to Tier 2 restrictions, but we cannot let our guard down.

“We are looking forward to reopening some Council services, and for the re-opening of local businesses to help our local economy back on its feet.

“I would urge people to ‘shop local’ within the borough, we must recognise the efforts of our businesses who have sacrificed so much during the lockdown and worked hard to create covid safe environments for people to work and shop in.

“But we face a delicate balancing act that requires us to follow the rules keenly, in particular by reducing the social contact we have in the run up to Christmas. 

“So I would ask everyone - for the love of Christmas, limit your contact with people outside our household, maintain social distancing, wash your hands, and wear a face mask. 

“I would like to thank everyone who has followed the rules, this year has been a difficult year for us all, but now, more than ever, we all need to play our part by following the rules and reducing our rates of infection.”

From 2 December, the following council services will reopen:

• Leisure centres, Horsehay Golf Course and Telford Ice Rink
• Libraries apart from Oakengates Library
• Register Office