MALDON MP John Whittingdale has released a statement following news today (Tuesday, 13 October) that Essex County Council has asked for the county to be moved up to Tier 2 'High' level pandemic restrictions.

The county is currently under the lowest Tier 1 'Medium' level of restrictions which includes the 'rule of six' for all gatherings and pubs and restaurants closing at 10pm.

Tier 2 restrictions mean that in addition to the Tier 1 rules, residents cannot meet people who are not in their household or bubble indoors. It is not yet known whether the Essex area will definitely be moved into this category, but a Government decision is expected within the coming days.

In a statement backing the move, Mr Whittingdale said: "The number of cases of Covid-19 in Essex is once again rising rapidly. We are also seeing an increasing number admitted to hospital and sadly some deaths. The rate of increase is also accelerating, doubling every one to two weeks. While it is still predominantly young people who are affected, it is now spreading among all age groups.

"This morning I spoke to Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health. He confirmed that the number of cases in Maldon is still the lowest in the county. However, it has increased in the last 11 days from 18 per 100,000 per week to 44 per 100,000 per week. On this basis, Maldon is following the same path as other districts about a week or so behind.

"Unless action is taken quickly to check the rise, there is a real risk that our hospitals could quickly be overwhelmed. Following discussions with the county council and my fellow MPs in Essex, I reluctantly support the request to the Government that Essex be moved to Tier 2 with 'High level' restrictions.

"I realise that this will cause distress to many people who will find it very difficult to see their families and friends. It will also be a huge blow to a large number of businesses who are already struggling to recover from the first lockdown. However, I accept that by acting quickly we stand a better chance of getting the disease back under control and avoiding a prolonged period of even harsher controls. By doing so we will also protect the NHS and save lives."

Maldon Nub News will be bringing you further updates as the situation develops.