Following the government’s announcement yesterday of a tiered Coronavirus alert system, Hull and its neighbouring authorities have been classified as medium risk, meaning they currently face the lowest level of restrictions.
While there are currently no changes to rules on what people in Hull must do, Hull City Council’s Director of Public Health, Julia Weldon, warned it was ‘very likely’ the city would be deemed ‘high’ risk in the coming weeks.
She said it was more vital than ever that people follow current guidance and take notice of any changes: “While Hull and our neighbours are currently rated as ‘medium’ risk, I urge all of you not underestimate the seriousness of our situation. Our infection rates are rising exponentially and, as in the initial wave of the virus, we are behind the curve of other areas. We are seeing transmission in our communities and homes, and managing outbreaks across a range of settings, including care homes, businesses and education.
“It is very likely we will be placed in the high risk category in the coming weeks, and we should all take the opportunity now to understand what this means and put in place any necessary plans to manage increased restrictions.
“I know how hard all of you have tried and continue to try to contain the virus and minimise spread, and it is absolutely vital that you continue to do so. Anyone can catch it and anyone can spread it – you may be asymptomatic or you could be very poorly. Each of those scenarios carries its own risk.
“We must all take care of each other by sticking to the guidance; wear a face covering when required, observe social distancing, wash hands often for at least 20 seconds; take notice of Coronavirus symptoms and any changes to these, particularly a change in local alert level; take action by isolating and immediately organising a test if symptomatic and isolating if advised to do so”.
Medium risk: what this means for Hull:
- continue to follow national guidance on Coronavirus, including wearing face coverings where necessary and observing social distancing
- You must not socialise in groups larger than six, indoors or outdoors (other than where a legal exemption applies)
- businesses and venues can continue to operate, with covid-secure measures in place
- certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am
- takeaways must not admit customers after 10pm, but can continue to operate delivery services
- schools and universities remain open
- places of worship remain open, subject to the rule of six
- weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees
- exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors, or indoors if the Rule of six is followed
For more information and the latest guidance, visit the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know
