'This will be tough but need to be strong - and remember, there's a vaccine around the corner' - reaction to Harborough moving into the highest Covid-19 tier

The latest coronavirus rates show progress but there’s still work to do to drive down rates, says Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health.

Today (Thursday), the Government has announced that Market Harborough and the whole of Leicestershire will move into tier three on December 2 after the national lockdown ends.

Although rates have dropped over the past few days, figures for each district and the county remain above the national average.

Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health, said: “Over the past few days, rates have started to fall and we’ve made some progress.

"But it’s important to put this into perspective.

"Figures are over 20 per cent down compared to this time last week but they’re still worse than the day we went into lockdown.

"Leicestershire’s average is significantly higher than the national level so there is still work to do.

“Whatever the level, it’s still vital we all do the right thing. There could be tough times ahead in January so let’s not undo the good work so far.”

Nick Rushton, Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “With the vaccine around the corner, the situation is looking more promising.

"But we still need everyone to observe the guidance to avoid a bleak start to 2021.

“We are continuing to lead the fight against this deadly virus. By keeping people safe, delivering food parcels, pinpointing hot spots, taking enforcement action and more, we’re doing everything we can to bring rates down. We know our area and our residents and have the expertise – and are getting ready to roll out the new lateral flow test kits in hot spots.”

The latest figures show Leicestershire's rate for every 100,000 people is 305 - compared to England's figure of 218.

Oadby and Wigston has the highest (424), followed by Blaby (361), North West Leicestershire (310), Harborough (298), Melton (289.0), Charnwood (271.7) and Hinckley and Bosworth (257).

Data relates to time period – November 14-20.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien tweeted: “I know it's disappointing but cases are now falling and moving in the right direction, but unfortunately still in excess of the national average.

“Incredible progress has also been made on vaccines and plans are being discussed/formed for rollouts.”

Cllr Phil King, the leader of Harborough District Council, tweeted: “#Harborough district has been disappointingly placed in Tier 3 (very high) along with the rest of Leicestershire and Leicester, despite cases falling.

“This means that from Dec 2nd - Tier 3 restrictions will apply. #HandsFaceSpace #itsdowntousLLR”

Cllr King told the Harborough Mail this afternoon: “It’s very disappointing to be put into Tier 3 but I’m not surprised.

“I’ve been expecting it because our rate has gone up.

“But this decision is still going to leave a lot of our residents very frustrated, disappointed and anxious.

“The rate of infection in Market Harborough is actually lower than in the rest of the district but there you go – the Government has made its decision.”

The Conservative council chief repeated his urgent plea to people across Harborough to help beat Covid.

“We all have to work together to defeat this virus – and finally get us all back to normal.

“There are some positives.

“Non-essential shops will be able to re-open from next Wednesday for example,” said Cllr King.

“But the main issue seems to be with 17-21-year-olds.

“They have got to get into line and follow the Government guidance – wear a face covering, keep your distance and wash your hands.

“Because if they don’t we won’t be getting out of Tier 3 and dropping back into Tiers 1 or 2 for some time to come.

“It’s now more crucial than ever that we work together and get out of Tier 3 when this is reviewed on Wednesday December 16.”

Cllr Phil Knowles, who leads the Liberal Democrats on Harborough council, told the Mail: “Covid is a killer.

“We all have to spread the word, not the virus.

“This is a blow but the warning signs were there.

“We have to make sure we climb out of Tier 3 as soon as we can for the sake of our community, local businesses and Harborough right across the board.”

Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health, said: “Over the past few days, rates have started to fall and we’ve made some progress.

“But it’s important to put this into perspective.

“Figures are over 20 per cent down compared to this time last week but they’re still worse than the day we went into lockdown.

“Leicestershire’s average is significantly higher than the national level so there is still work to do.

“Whatever the level, it’s still vital we all do the right thing.

“There could be tough times ahead in January so let’s not undo the good work so far.”