'We must stick to the new Covid rules to get through this pandemic' - message to Banbury residents from health chiefs

Oxfordshire's director for public health has urged Banbury residents to stick to the new Covid rules as the town gets ready to move out of lockdown.

As we reported earlier, Banbury - and the whole of the county - will move into 'tier 2', which is the middle tier of the Government's three-tier system.

Ansaf Azhar, the county council’s director for public health, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has adhered to the national restrictions during November.

"As the recent fall in COVID cases shows, by people playing their part and sticking to the rules, we can stem the spread of the virus in Oxfordshire.

“However, I must caution that this is just one week’s data and the situation could easily reverse. We can’t afford to be complacent.

"National lockdown may be lifting next Wednesday, but we are still in the middle of a pandemic. It’s critically important that we stick to the new local restrictions.

“With the festive season approaching, many of us will want to go out to see our friends or to hit the shops.

"If we do, it’s really important that we follow the guidance about keeping your distance, wearing a face covering and washing your hands regularly – it all still applies.

Banbury has been placed into the ‘high’ alert level (tier 2) by central government. This means that from 2 December:

- People must not meet socially with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.

- People must not meet in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other space.

- Hospitality venues will be allowed to stay open until 11pm – with last orders at 10pm. However, only those that serve substantial meals can operate.

- Non-essential shops can reopen, as can gyms and personal care businesses such as hairdressers.

The week up to November 20 saw a drop in infection rates across the county, with a total of 671 confirmed cases – an equivalent of 97 per 100,000 residents, and a decrease from 1,171 the previous week.

A spokesperson for Cherwell district council said: "As before, the local COVID-secure teams will be out and about across the county to ensure that local businesses are continuing to properly abide by the regulations, such as the 10pm last orders in pubs, bars and restaurants. All businesses and venues must operate in a COVID-secure way

"The teams will be given more enforcement powers, being able to issue notices to businesses that fail to adhere to guidance. These notices will not create any new offences for businesses, but enable the teams to take more decisive action to request that businesses formally comply with COVID-secure measures, and provide them with the means to close these premises where they fail to do so, or quickly where they pose a significant risk to the public.

"In the week leading up to November 15, the COVID-secure teams across Oxfordshire carried out 69 compliance checks and issued nine written warnings to businesses."

Further information is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know.