After this year’s concerted effort by the public to keep down the virus rate here in Shropshire, it is deeply regrettable that from today the UK enters another period of national restrictions.

But the health implications of allowing the virus to run rampant through our society have become simply too great to ignore.

I had hoped that a tiered regional approach would be enough to reduce the reinfection rate across the country. There is a huge economic and mental health cost to restricting our freedoms and the ability of businesses to function normally, so while further national restrictions could be avoided, it was right to do so. This point was made by Professor Jonathan Van Tam only a few short weeks ago.

But I am afraid the significant rise in COVID19 infection rates across the country and more specifically the rapidly escalating utilisation of beds in our hospitals of patients with this wretched disease, necessitates significant action to ensure we reduce the rate of infection and avoid the NHS being overwhelmed.

When these measures were announced, I wanted to see the figures for Shropshire, to understand fully the risk to the NHS here if we avoided further restrictions. The data is absolutely clear, the number of COVID19 beds occupied across Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospital Trust has increased and continues to increase rapidly. The number of ventilator beds in use has also increased.

Cases in Shropshire remain lower than most other areas in the West Midlands. But it is clear the rate of infection here is going the wrong way, and quickly.

I do not ever want to be a in position where the NHS is not there when we need it, especially for those with life threatening conditions. So I have come to the conclusion, reluctantly, that this period of severe restrictions until December is necessary to wrestle back control of the spread of coronavirus, and protect lives.

I am deeply conscious of the economic impact of this second period of national restrictions. So I am very pleased the Chancellor has announced a further significant package of support for workers and for businesses that will need to close. 

This support includes extending the furlough scheme, with workers and self-employed able to receive 80% of their salary/income up to £2,500, and businesses able to claim up to £3,000 per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant. A further £1.1bn is being given to Local Authorities, for one-off payments to enable them to support businesses more broadly.

More information on the latest restrictions can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.