A JOINT message has been issued from the county council and Warwickshire Police as the county enters Tier 3 restrictions.
Following the end of the second lockdown the authorities are urging people to ‘do the right thing’ and control the spread of the virus.
Being in Tier 3 means people can meet others in parks and public gardens in groups of up to six while following social distancing. Non-essential shops are now open once again, along with hairdressers, beauty salons, leisure centres and places of worship, and organised outdoor sports will resume.
Locals are still unable to meet others in their homes or gardens and pubs, bars and restaurants will remain closed unless serving takeaways.
But Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire Police are reminding people to stay two metres apart, wear a face covering, wash and sanitise hands regularly and to get tested if they have any covid symptoms.
Council leader Izzi Seccombe said: “While I share the disappointment of all our residents at the fact Warwickshire is in the highest tier of restrictions, I want to take the opportunity to say that now is not the time for despondency or anger at our current position. Now is the time for redoubling our efforts as a county to do the right thing for Warwickshire and continue to drive down our rates of infections.
“The rules we now face within Warwickshire, while not as restrictive as the second national lockdown that we have just left, are still tough and I want to thank you ALL for doing everything you have done so far for your families, for your friends and for your communities.
“To all our residents, I hope you will be able to enjoy some of the new freedoms, whether that be a meeting – socially distant of course – in the park with a couple of friends, a shopping trip or even just an overdue haircut. The things we have often taken for granted, now seem so precious.
“To all our businesses, It is great to see our high streets allowed to open again Of course, this is joy is tempered by the knowledge that for many of our local businesses, such as pubs and restaurants, this will not be possible and for those businesses that are struggling, I want to assure you that help is available.”
Warwickshire’s assistant chf cons Alex Franklin-Smith said: “I thank all those in Warwickshire who continue to do the right thing and play their part in the fight against the virus.
“We know this is a difficult time for everyone, and that the move into Tier 3 restrictions brings with it frustrations as we all think through what this means for us, and our plans to enjoy time with family and friends.
“We have to remember that while things do seem to be headed in the right direction, the virus still remains a threat and there is yet more for us to do as we continue to protect our communities and health services.
“Our officers will continue to play their part in the response to the pandemic with a proportionate and considered approach based on engaging with people to help them understand the rules and why they are in place. We will support the vast majority who follow the rules by ensuring those who deliberately put others at risk face consequences for their actions.”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information on coronavirus in Warwickshire.
