Derby to be escalated to ‘High’ COVID alert level from this weekend

The government has announced that Derby will be escalated to COVID alert level High – often referred to as Tier 2 – restrictions from this Saturday (31 October) at 12.01am, in a bid to slow a rapid rise in cases in the city.

Earlier this week, Derby’s Director of Public Health, Dr Robyn Dewis, called for all Derby citizens to start adhering to High level restrictions – ahead of the official enforcement – to reduce the spread of COVID.

As well as following the national guidance to wash our hands, keep our distance and wear a face covering if we can, the ‘High’ restrictions mean:

• people shouldn’t mix indoors with anyone who isn’t in their household or support bubble – whether at home, someone else’s home, pubs, restaurants, hotels or other hospitality venues, leisure venues or shops
• outdoors people should stick to the rule of 6, including children
• if going on holiday, this should only be with the people they live with or that are in their support bubble
• family and friends can provide informal childcare as part of a childcare bubble – the bubble is limited to 2 households only so that informal childcare is provided by the same carers each time
• people can only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances
• all businesses, leisure facilities and other places which are allowed to open by law can remain open providing they meet COVID-19 secure guidance
• pubs, bars restaurants and other hospitality venues close at 10.00pm – drive-through services, click and collect and delivery services can continue after 10.00pm
• people can take part in sport and physical activity outdoors but organised indoor exercise classes are only permitted if it’s possible to avoid mixing with people you don’t live with or share a support bubble with – there are exceptions for children and people with a disability

Dr Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health, Derby City Council, said:

“While the new restrictions don’t officially come into force until the early hours of Saturday morning, we should all consider the impact of our actions over the next couple days. We can all play a part in preventing further transmission and protecting those we care about from infection. 

“It is important that we familiarise ourselves with the new restrictions to ensure we are all following them properly. These changes, as well as our basic hygiene, social distancing and face covering guidelines, are our best form of defence against a greater spread of COVID in the city.

“Aside from the need to protect ourselves and loved ones, we should also remember that following these restrictions now decreases our risk of us needing to be escalated to the ‘Very High’ alert level, which will impact on our businesses, health services and schools.”

Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

“We should all take this opportunity to do the right thing for Derby and play our part in reducing transmission of COVID in our community.

“By following these restrictions now, we are offering the best support possible to our businesses, economy and Derbians in general by helping to slow the rate of COVID and reducing the need for further measures.

Derby City Council has confirmed that the ‘High’ COVID Local Alert Level restrictions will mean that businesses in the city may be eligible for additional financial support.

A new system is in the process of being set up to ensure the swift and smooth distribution of funding and details of how to apply will be announced soon. Read more.

Community support will also be available to those who need it as we move into tighter restrictions. Derby’s Community Hub can be contacted on 01332 640000.

You can read more details about the system and what each tier entails on the government website.