Southport to remain in tier 2 after coronavirus review

Southport will remain in tier 2 after coronavirus restrictions were reviewed by the government.

Cases in Southport have fallen from their peak of 290 cases per 100,000 residents in October to 54 cases per 100,000 at the end of last week.

The confirmation means that pubs and restaurants serving food will be permitted to remain open.

Sefton continues to have the lowest infection rates in the Liverpool City Region.

No North West region has moved tier, meaning Lancashire will remain in Tier 3 for at least the next two weeks.

However health bosses have warned that a return to tier 3 could be possible in the new year as cases have been rising in recent days in the Liverpool City Region but it is possible that the new asymptomatic testing regime is contributing to case numbers.

The tier system will be temporarily rescinded between 23rd to 27th December to allow families to celebrate Christmas.

Three families will be permitted to mix indoors through these dates, though social distancing is still advised by the government.

People can only meet in homes, places of worship or public outdoor spaces, and not pubs or restaurants, and any meetings with people outside a bubble must be according to local rules.

Commenting on the Government’s Christmas rules Margaret Jones said: “While most of us will be taking a well-earned break at Christmas, I can assure you Covid-19 won’t so please remain really careful.

“It won’t be coming down the chimney but it will find its way into our homes if we give it a chance. It might arrive with our friends or relatives or if it’s got here already, it may leave with them. And nobody will know until too late.

“So, while the temporary Government relaxations says we ‘can’ do things we all need to think whether we really ‘should’ do them and regularly getting a SMART test will help us decide.

“And if we do, decide to mix with bigger bubbles, it’s important we don’t get carried away with Christmas fizz and let our guard down.

“We all need to carry on keeping socially distanced, wash our hands frequently and regularly cleaning touch points such as door handles and surfaces.”

“I know people don’t want to be lectured at a time when they are thinking about enjoying themselves but I sincerely want everyone to have a Merry Christmas but also a Happy New Year, in which they and their loved ones are safe.”