Part of Cumbria set to move into 'Tier 2' of Covid-19 restrictions

It was announced today that Barrow is set to move into the higher Level 2 category from midnight on Saturday, amid a frightening rise in the borough's infection rate that has placed it in the top 15 areas in England for new Covid-19 cases.

The area is currently recording 200 new cases per 100,000 people per week, and 54 patients with Covid-19 are currently in Furness General Hospital.

The imposition of stricter lockdown measures by the Government means that from Saturday, it will be illegal for households to mix in an indoor setting.

Pubs and restaurants are allowed to stay open, but mixing of households is not allowed inside, and the 10pm curfew remains in place for all venues.

The introduction of tighter legal restrictions on households mixing was called for last week by Cumbria County Council, which made a public request for the Government to put the restrictions in place in a bid to curb rising infection rates across the borough.

Today's announcement from Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been welcomed by those leading the response to Covid-19 in the county.

Cumbria County Council leader Stewart Young, who is also the chairman of the Area Outbreak Board, said: “This is the right decision and ideally would have come sooner.

"The infection rate in Barrow is continuing to rise and it is so important that people follow the new rules which are coming into force.

"There is an opportunity now to get a grip on the spread of the virus, if we do not then we’ll no doubt see a further increase in the risk level and even more restrictive local lockdown measures.

"I’d urge everyone to take steps to protect themselves, their families and the community.”  

Consultant in public health at Cumbria County Council, Matt Saunders, added: “If everyone follows the new rules it can make a difference, preventing further disruption, illness and deaths.

"But we all have to act now and take responsible and sensible steps to reduce the risk of spreading or catching Covid-19.

"The new rules are very clear, but generally any steps people can take to limit their social contact and mixing with others, alongside wearing masks in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors if it’s busy, and washing hands regularly will have an impact.”

Cumbria Police's Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Slattery said: “With the elevation of the Barrow area into Tier 2 status, a number of different restrictions will come into place.  

"We ask everybody to familiarise themselves with these new measures and make sure that they adhere to them.

“Police officers have an important role in ensuring that people comply with the restrictions in order that they can take effect and reduce the number of people suffering from Covid-19. The community in Barrow have been fantastic throughout this difficult year and we hope that we do not have to issue any fixed penalty tickets.

“However, anybody deliberately breaking the regulations can expect to receive a fixed penalty fine. Please help us to suppress the virus now and prevent any further restrictions coming into place.”

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, described the situation in the borough as "extremely concerning".

 "The number of infections has continued to grow across Barrow since the request for action from the government was made last week," she said.

 "We are in an extremely concerning situation. Coronavirus is a deadly virus and lives are at stake. 

 "It's crucial that every one of us follows the rules to limit its spread and to protect our loved ones, families, friends, neighbours and communities."