Gosport council leader 'can't understand' why area has been put in Tier Four for Christmas

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced stricter coronavirus rules for London, the south east and the east, after the discovery of a new strain of Covid-19.

Gosport along with Havant and Portsmouth have all been moved up to tier four – a day after being put under tier three restrictions.

The new restrictions mean that all non-essential shops as well as hairdressers and gyms have to shut.

Families will be no longer be allowed to form Christmas bubbles in Gosport.

Residents are also advised against leaving tier four areas.

The leader of Gosport Borough Council, councillor Mark Hook, has asked the government to explain why they have been put under the strictest new measures.

Speaking on Saturday night, he said: ‘As of today Gosport's infection rate is 144 per 100,000 so I can't understand why we have been moved into tier four when some of our neighbouring areas remain in tier two and I've asked the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to explain the decision.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth traders 'fuming' over sudden Tier 4 announcement coming after thousands of pounds spent on Christmas stock

‘I fully understand the need to protect people from the virus and I feel that people in Gosport have done a good job with that and worked hard to follow the rules. A lot of local businesses will suffer because of this and I'd encourage people to support them by shopping online locally where they can

‘I know the announcement of these new restrictions will come as a blow to many people, in particular the changes for Christmas, but it is vitally important everyone in Gosport follows the new rules.’

He continued: ‘Pressure on hospitals and the NHS in our region is growing and, while people want to celebrate together, this year we're all going to have a different Christmas.

‘People need to continue to think carefully about everything they are doing, in particular minimise travelling and stay local wherever possible. We will keep essential council services going throughout this period and I'm confident Gosport's community spirit will help us get through this together.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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