Following a review of current covid tiers, the Government has today announced that Runnymede and Weybridge will be entering Tier 3 restrictions from 00.01 this Saturday. I know this will be a huge disappointment to many, however covid case numbers have risen throughout the constituency since the end of national restrictions and it is important that we continue to work together to minimise the spread of infection and protect those most vulnerable within our communities.
Full details of the rules under Tier 3 restrictions are available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert.
I urge everyone to continue to follow the rules and maintain public health measures such as social distancing and regular hand washing. With Christmas around the corner it is also important that everyone considers carefully their plans. The rules to permit a Christmas bubble are in place but please do remain cautious especially for those who are vulnerable to severe illness from covid. I hope that everyone can still enjoy a merry Christmas, but it will need to be different this year.
The restrictions will be regularly reviewed and I will be pressing for us to return to Tier 2 as soon as it is safe to do so. Until then, we will continue the rollout of the vaccine, which began at Chertsey Hall yesterday, and look forward to when the full vaccine rollout is complete. Please do remember that, should you need them, local support services remain available, the NHS, local authorities, charities and many other support organisations have been working tirelessly to support residents throughout the pandemic and remain open to help.
