‘York being placed in Tier 2 has come as a surprise’ – Rachael Maskell MP

Here’s a response from Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central.

“Today’s announcement that York will be placed in Tier 2 has come as a surprise to us.

“But it would seem the Government have used Tier 2 as the default tier, with exceptions where infection rates are incredibly low, with only three areas placed in Tier 1 – Cornwall, the Scilly Isles and the Isle of Wight.

“Tier 3 is being used for those places where infection rates remain high.

Despite the incredible work of everyone in York, it has been placed in Tier 2. The Government has selected large geographical areas, rather than study the local data. I await their rationale. I raised this with the Health Minister earlier this week & will do so again later today.

— 💙Rachael Maskell MP (@RachaelMaskell) November 26, 2020

“We now need to understand what further steps York must take to be placed in Tier 1 and what additional support will be available to underpin our economy.

“Today’s announcement will be a serious blow for many businesses that are struggling at this time, and I confirm that I will continue to make representation on their behalf until at every opportunity.”

She urged people to continue to follow the rules on social distancing, hand washing and face masks.

“People are still really poorly, people are dying and our NHS is feeling the strain, as are our incredible NHS staff, exhausted from a traumatic year, tired of wearing all that PPE all day, and determined to beat this virus.”