To the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock MP, announced that Staffordshire is to move into Tier 4 at one minute past midnight tomorrow (31st January). This is understandably not the direction of travel we wanted but sadly cases are continuing to rise across the country and action needs to be taken.

The NHS is also experiencing significant pressure and it is important that we act now to ensure it is not overwhelmed later down the line. I’m in regular contact with our local NHS leadership and Queen’s Hospital to support them and ensure they have all they need to keep us safe.

In better news, the Oxford Vaccine has been approved today and the Health Secretary has also laid out plans to allow more people to receive their first dose sooner. This will mean restrictions can be rolled back more quickly and we will be able to return to normality sooner as well.

Tier 4 is an unwelcome necessity but what the vaccine means is that the end is now in sight so it is critically important we do all we can to save lives and protect the NHS.

For the full details of what Tier 4 means take a look: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home

Schools update

Secondary Schools in Staffordshire will be having a phased return in the new year. Secondary schools will be open next week for children of key workers and those considered vulnerable. Year 11 and 13 pupils will be taught online. 

All Primary schools will be open as normal. For further information please check out Staffordshire County Council’s website: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2020/12-December/Sta…