Tendring district is to move up to tier 4 of local Covid-19 restrictions, the Secretary of State for Health has confirmed.

In a statement today (Wednesday, 23 December), Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock MP announced the areas of Essex that had remained in tier 2 at the last review will now join the rest of Essex and be put into highest level of tier 4. This change will take affect from 00.01am on Boxing Day.

Tier 4 restrictions include staying at home and only travelling for work, to get essential supplies such as food and medicine, while all non-essential retail shops must close.

Restrictions also mean Tendring District Council’s leisure centres will have to close. More details on changes will be released as soon as possible, with residents recommended to check the website for details at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus

Tendring District Council leader Neil Stock said he is disappointed about the move to tier 4 but understands the decision. “Being put into the highest tier is a blow for the area, in particular our businesses, but with transmission rates of the virus increasing significantly over the last few days something has to be done.”

He added: “I encourage everyone to follow the restrictions set out by the Government, and look after one another so we can get through this pandemic and get Tendring safely open once again. I would also call on the Government to set out its longer-term response to Covid-19, including the new strain, as the repeated lockdowns and tier restrictions are not a viable long-term solution.”

Information about Tier 4 restrictions can be found on the TDC website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the government website.