As many constituents will be aware, the Prime Minister has today announced changes to tiering and Christmas bubbles.

What does this mean for us?

Staffordshire remains in TIER 3 but Christmas bubbles (of up to three households) are now for Christmas Day ONLY. However, support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation.

Why the change?

As the Prime Minister set out alongside the Chief Medical and Scientific Officers, this change in restrictions has been driven by the rapid spread of a new variant of Covid 19. The new variant is most prevalent in London and much of the South East and East of England which is why large parts of these regions have moved into the new Tier 4.

This new variant does not appear to be more dangerous but it is important to highlight that it does seem to spread much more easily. This is clearly not good news, and will make controlling the virus - to reduce deaths and to stop the NHS being overwhelmed - more difficult in the coming weeks and months.

The Government is urging everyone to limit their travel and to stay local wherever possible.