Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley has reacted to Lancashire being placed in the 'Very High/Tier 3' category of restrictions, in order to bring down the rate of Covid-19.
"I am extremely disappointed that restrictions on our lives have had to be put in place yet again. The figures of new infections in Lancashire and the Ribble Valley have escalated dramatically in recent weeks. If the trend continues, hospital capacity would be exceeded by the end of the month.
“I would like to thank our District Councils and the County Council for negotiating a support package for businesses and staff. This package needs to be looked at to ensure that there is sufficient funding for businesses so that they can survive until we either exit Tier 3 restrictions, or until the pandemic is over.
“I am grateful for the assurances I received today from the Health Secretary that Lancashire will be a the forefront of implementing new, faster tests and increased testing capacity.
“In my conversation with the Health Secretary today, I stressed the importance of communicating the need for people to take extra care around the elderly. Unfortunately this virus hits the elderly harder as we know, and as many practical steps as possible should be taken to protect them from a virus which is in high circulation”.
“It is absolutely vital that everyone plays their part in following these restrictions, so that we are able to exit Tier 3 as soon as possible.”