Everything that would change if Chesterfield is moved down into Tier 2 tomorrow

The average rate of Covid-19 cases has fallen in Chesterfield since the town was first plunged into Tier Three lockdown alongside the whole of Derbyshire on December 2 and is now at 134.4 new cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to December 9.

Under the current ‘very high’ rules people in the town and across the region are forbidden from mixing with other households either indoors or in private gardens.

Residents are able to meet groups of up to six in outdoor areas such as parks but bars, pubs and restaurants are only open for takeaway services.

Indoor entertainment venues such as casinos, theatres and cinemas have to stay shut under the restrictions but shops, gyms and hairdressers are kept open.

However, if Chesterfield is moved down into Tier Two in the lockdown review tomorrow (Wednesday, December 16) hospitality businesses which serve substantial meals would be able to welcome back customers for the first time since the national lockdown.

Instead of the previous 10pm curfew, pubs, restaurants and bars would stay open until 11pm but alcohol would only be served alongside a full meal under the ‘high’ measures.

People in the town would then also be able to attend sport events of up to 2,000 spectators or at 50 percent of the venue’s capacity in Tier Two.

However, there is still uncertainty over whether ministers will move Chesterfield into Tier Two, as Derby still has a Covid-19 rate of 172.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock hinted yesterday that Leeds could be moved down a tier despite having a rate of 136.4, fractionally higher than the average rate of cases in Chesterfield.

However, Derbyshire is now recording 300 new cases per day, as opposed to the final week of November when the rate dropped to below 150.

After this week’s lockdown announcement, there will be another tier review just before Christmas on December 23 – which means Chesterfield will still have a chance to move down a tier before the new year.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.