Local leaders react to news that Devon will remain in Tier 2

Devon MPs have said they are disappointed that the county hasn't moved into Tier 1, but that the data on infections wouldn't have supported a relaxing of restrictions.

The county as a whole will remain in Tier 2 for the time being, the government confirmed yesterday, based on Devon's circumstances, including case numbers, demographic and pressure on NHS services.

While cases in the county had been falling during the second lockdown, numbers have begun to rise in recent days, with the infection rate for Devon now back to 86.1 per 100,000, although it varies significantly across the county with East Devon, Exeter and North Devon over the 100 per 100,000 mark, while the South Hams are at 29.9.

MPs across the county have said that, while many people may be disappointed, the data does not support dropping down into Tier 1.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said: "Following the latest review, Devon will sadly stay in Tier 2. Cases are rising and the Royal Devon & Exeter is under severe strain due to staff sickness. The Nightingale is helping to relieve pressure and we can all do our bit by remembering #HandsFaceSpace. We will get through this, together."

Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter, added: "Many people will be disappointed by this, given our COVID rates and COVID hospitalisations have been low & falling. But the shortage of NHS beds and staff after ten years of Conservative Government cuts & fears about the impact of the Christmas relaxation probably made this decision inevitable, sadly."

Devon County Council leader, Cllr John Hart, who also chairs the county's multi-agency Local Outbreak Engagement Board, said that remaining in Tier 2 probably was the right decision, but that more support for local businesses was urgently needed.

He said: "I'm afraid this is the right decision because of the number of positive cases in Devon right now – especially among our older residents – and the huge pressure on our NHS services.

"But if we are to accept these restrictions continuing into the New Year, the government must act swiftly with more support for local businesses.

"When we went into Tier 2, I called for action and I am renewing that call today. Every day I am hearing from businesses which are being severely affected and many of our local hospitality companies are on their knees.

"The government must do more to help them survive otherwise many of these companies – which are the lifeblood of Devon's economy – won't be here in the New Year."

Cllr Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council's leader, said the government and universities' decisions to have students return in October had been made at the cost of local health and employment.

He said: " "The ongoing lack of bed capacity in our county's NHS – as warned about for many years – remains the key reason why we cannot escape Tier 2, and I feel very sorry for all the businesses and employees affected by this.

"It is now absolutely clear that the return of Devon's student populations in October after a successful summer suppressing the pandemic was the key factor bringing the virus into our area. The students themselves are blameless, but the government and university decisions to press on with the Autumn term have come at the cost of local health and employment. I am relieved that the universities seem much better prepared for the spring term of 2021.

"Finally, I would urge everyone to take the greatest care with the basics of personal and collective hygiene, and that all who are offered vaccination take it without delay."