Herefordshire to return to tier 2 restrictions from Boxing Day

The government has today announced that Herefordshire will move up to Covid-19 Tier 2 (High Alert) at 0.01am Saturday 26th December and Herefordshire Council has welcomed this decision.

The county was placed in Tier 1 (Medium Alert) on Saturday 19 December when the number of Covid-19 cases was low compared to other parts of the country.

However, the latest announcement comes as the most recent data shows a sharp rise in the number of cases, in line with many other areas of England.

Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones, Acting Director of Public Health for Herefordshire, said: “We are extremely concerned about the rapid increase in the number of cases across the country and the recent rise we have seen in Herefordshire.

“We know this decision by government has not been taken lightly, but it is vital that action is taken quickly to help suppress transmission of the virus.

“Please continue to be careful and, in particular, follow the guidance on regular hand-washing, using face coverings and social distancing. By doing this you are helping to protect yourselves and your loved ones.

“Also, we are asking anyone who has travelled to Herefordshire from a Tier 4 area or Wales to behave as though they have the virus and self-isolate for 10 days. Please do not socialise over the Christmas period.”

For the latest information on Covid-19 and Tier guidance visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus