West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas says the Prime Minister’s announcement of an end to national restrictions next Wednesday will come as ‘a great relief to many, many people’ across West Cornwall.
From 2nd December, while restrictions within the Tier system will be tightened, people will be able to leave their homes for any reason – for collective worship, to hold a wedding, to take part in outdoor sports, to shop, go to the gym and for personal care.
In addition, pubs and restaurants (except in Tier Three areas) will be allowed to re-open with ‘last orders’ at 10pm and closing time at 11pm.
“The current lockdown has put many people under great stress and I know from my mailbag how much people are missing a round of golf, a set of tennis or training with their friends on football and rugby pitches,” said Mr Thomas.
“It is also clear that many churchgoers have found it very difficult to go without the weekly fellowship provided at a Sunday service.
“It’s great that our pubs and restaurants are able to open their doors again and I am particularly pleased that small independent and non-essential retailers, who have understandably felt they have had a raw deal when compared to supermarkets and large chain stores, will at least have three weeks trading before Christmas.”
In announcing the new guidelines, the Prime Minister warned that without people taking sensible precautions, Covid-19 could quickly escalate with a surge in the new year and urged people to continue to follow the rules, getting tested and self-isolating when instructed and maintaining rigorous hygiene practices and social distancing.
Mr Thomas added: “People in West Cornwall have certainly played their part in helping to limit the spread of Covid and, ahead of a likely roll-out of new vaccines next Spring, I hope they will continue to be sensible and protect their loved ones.”
