Newsroom Archive

Government measures due to a new Covid-19 variant

During the weekend, the Government has announced some significant changes in the fight against the pandemic: 

-Tier 4 areas and travel restrictions

London and parts of the South East and East of England were moved into Tier 4, with people not being allowed to travel into and out of these areas. 

Exemptions include travelling for work or education, for childcare purposes, and for exercise.

-Christmas arrangements have been restricted for the whole of England, with people outside Tier 4 areas being urged not to mix inside over the holiday period, except on Christmas Day, when three households are allowed to come together.  

This should be seen as the maximum for household mixing and not a target.

These changes have been put in force very quickly because of a rapid rise in cases caused by a new COVID-19 variant - which means the virus is now transmitting much more quickly, with the R rate increasing very rapidly and significantly and rising pressure on hospitals.

Coronavirus cases in Telford and Wrekin

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Telford and Wrekin are continuing to rise, as the latest weekly figures show.

Over the last 7 days, the borough’s rates have gone up by 13% to 151 per 100k.

Rates in people over the age of 60 remain over 100 per 100K, which is a cause for concern.

What we all need to do to help prevent the spread of the virus in our borough

Liz Noakes, Director of Public Health, said: “At the moment, Telford and Wrekin is still in Tier 2 but we don’t know to what extent the new coronavirus variant, that is causing a very rapid increase in cases in some parts of the country, is circulating locally as well. 

“People have been moving across the country before Saturday’s travel ban so this might have spread the virus further. 

“We all need to act like the new variant is already here and do our utmost best to protect ourselves, our families as well as our community.

“Here are key things you must do. 

-Limit your travel & get a rapid test, if you have recently come from a Tier 4 area and from Wales

•DO NOT TRAVEL to Tier 4 areas and Wales

Travelling in and out of areas risks increasing the spread of the new variant and the speed that our local rates will go up.

•SELF-ISOLATE AND GET A TEST, if you've recently travelled from a Tier 4 area or from Wales

We are asking anyone who has travelled to Telford and Wrekin from any Tier 4 area and from Wales to assume that they have the new Covid-19 variant, to self-isolate (for at least ten whole days when they arrive) and to get a rapid test as soon as they can, at The Place, Oakengates (the rapid testing centre in the borough). 

Other people from their household do not need to self-isolate unless they get symptoms but no visitors should be allowed in the household at all, not even on Christmas Day.

To book a rapid test, anyone who has recently come from a Tier 4 area can go to https://rapidtest.telford.gov.uk/ and select “Travelled from Tier 4” area when booking.

•MINIMISE how much you go out. 

Use click and collect or delivery services unless there is no other option. Ask yourself if that last pre-Christmas purchase is worth it.

-Reduce your contact to a minimum

Although Telford and Wrekin is in Tier 2, our rates are increasing and it is highly likely that the new variant is circulating. So please reduce your contact to a minimum, act like people you see have the virus. 

Remember that people may have the virus and show no symptoms.

-Choose a Covid-safe Christmas

Celebrating Christmas only with your household is the safest option, to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

Although you can meet your Christmas bubble on 25 December, think carefully whether you need to be doing this, given the rapid spreading of the new coronavirus variant. 

If you do form a Christmas bubble on Christmas day, think about meeting outdoors, if you can and keep your visit together as short as possible. 

-Remember “hands-face-space”

We know that the key measures that stop COVID spreading will also work against this new variant. 

Hands, face, space are absolutely essential and they work. 

Wash your hands, wear a face mask and keep distance with the others - we now really have to do them 100% of the time, really avoid close contact and being in close spaces where the virus can transmit more easily. 

-Look out for other people: pick up the phone, see your family, friends or neighbours online and check if they are OK. 

-Get a test immediately if you any of the three main coronavirus or as a precaution, if you have any other symptoms  

If you have COVID symptoms, however mild, you MUST self-isolate immediately for ten days and book a test.

Your close contacts must also self-isolate for 10 days.

If you have any other symptoms, get a test as a precaution.

It’s quick and easy to get tested and all NHS testing centres in the borough will be opened throughout Christmas. 

For more details about getting a test, visit www.telford.gov.uk/gettingacovidtest

-Ask for help, should you need it

If you are struggling financially due to the pandemic, there is a range of support schemes available – visit www.telford.gov.uk/coronavirus/support 

Andy Burford, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care said:  “We urge everyone to please follow these guidelines and be alert – there are things we might have got away with previously, which are now much riskier due to the new Covid-19 variant– and much more likely to result in us getting or giving the virus.

“If we all play our part, we will get through this and hopefully we will be able to see our friends and family soon. 

“As a Council, we will continue to do all we can to support families across the borough, to protect and care for the most vulnerable of us at these worrying times. 

“I would also like to thank our residents for everything they have done this year. 

“We have seen incredible acts of kindness, a desire to help and to do the right thing in incredibly difficult circumstances. 

“Thank you and we look forward to a return to a more normal way of life in 2021.”