None of us want a return to Lockdown. But with the widespread increase in infection and hospitalisation, and winter weather that viruses love, the government has had to - for one month - leave local tiers of approach and go for a national effort.
We vote on this on Wednesday evening.
The situation in Gloucester and Gloucestershire is not dire at the moment: 18 COVID19 patients in the GRH at the moment, compared to 200 in the Spring.
But if resources get overwhelmed elsewhere nearby no doubt there would be pressure on our NHS resources. We cannot be a complete island: and we need the GRH to be there for everyone who needs it, not only victims of the pandemic.
The proposed rules this time differ:
- No school, college or University is to close
- Anyone who needs to work from their workplace should do so
- There are no formal ‘shielding’ restrictions
- ‘Elite’ sport (ie Gloucester Rugby and Gloucester City FC) continues (behind closed doors)
- No limits on the amount of outdoor exercise
- Places of worship will be open for individual prayer
But it will still be very painful for many people’s lives and livelihoods, and I will be looking for reassurance on the exit strategy so that we can go back to local lockdowns asap.
Meanwhile here are the details, as we know them at the moment - they come into effect at midnight on Thursday
Best regards
PS do send any questions via mail to richard.graham.mp@parliament.uk
From Thursday 5th November new restrictions will come into force until Wednesday 2nd December
Please check the following pages for information on what the new guidance means for you:
Schools, colleges and universities
Weddings, Funerals and Places of Worship
Being at home can be difficult for some people. Please do look at support services for mental health and domestic abuse if you are worried about yourself or somebody else.
Local Information
Gloucestershire County Council have set up the Help Hub, which is where you can request support if you have no other sources of help.
You can call the Help Hub on 01452 583 519
Please be aware that this is not a channel for social care requests. Information, advice and support about adult social care can be found here.
Local Information
For Gloucester specific information please visit the County Council and City Council's websites:
Gloucester City Council COVID19 Advice