In response to the introduction of Tier 3 COVID-19 restrictions in Fylde, Cllr Karen Buckley Leader of Fylde Council, said:
Levels of infection rates have risen alarmingly right across the county and are especially high in East Lancashire, Preston and West Lancashire. On the Fylde Coast the rates are lower but rising quickly, as are admissions to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
We discussed at length whether our area should remain in Tier 2, but the Government made it clear that a pan-Lancashire approach would be required to provide clarity of message and also avoid Tier 2 areas being attractive to additional visitors which would increase the risk of social contact and thereby spread infection.
Businesses that are required to close, such as pubs and bars, will qualify for financial support. We were able to convince the Government that safely operated gyms and leisure centres, along with hairdressers and personal services could remain open. Leaders across Lancashire are keenly aware, though, that Tier 3 restrictions will have a knock-on effect to many other businesses who will sustain losses through no fault of their own. For that reason it was essential for us to negotiate an extra financial package of £30m from the Government so that the support on offer could be distributed wider. A taskforce from Government will help to devise the scheme as quickly as possible.
These restrictions alone will not get control of the virus. It is still the simple things that we can all do which will stop its spread and that is to wash our hands, wear a face covering and keep our distance from anyone outside our household. Let’s continue to protect each other.
