Public Health officials urge residents of neighbouring counties to stay away from Northamptonshire

Public Health officials are urging residents of neighbouring counties to stay away from Northamptonshire unless absolutely essential and not to come for shopping or leisure activities.

Northamptonshire, whilst remaining in Tier Two - ‘high alert’ - is currently flanked by a number of areas, which have been placed into Tier Three - ‘very high alert’ - on the COVID-19 alert level system.

The concern is that people may be travelling to the county to shop, dine and socialise and - in doing so - bringing the coronavirus with them.Director of Public Health Northamptonshire, Lucy Wightman, said: “Positive case rates in Northamptonshire are already on an upward trend, hospital services are at capacity and case rates amongst our elderly are rising. We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to protect our residents.

“Reports that residents from other areas may be coming to our county from Tier Three or Tier Four areas, with the danger that they might also be bringing with them the coronavirus, is frightening. COVID-19 has now mutated to be up to 70 per cent more contagious than before and adherence to the guidelines is absolutely vital.”

Government advice states that people in Tier Three areas are permitted to travel to other tiers for essential reasons such as for work, education, youth services, medical treatment or caring responsibilities. They, however, should not leave their tiers for other purposes.

Residents in areas of London and the South East, which have been placed into Tier Four, are also being encouraged to stay away unless their visit is absolutely necessary.