Bringing Covid rate down key to unlocking things we love

Published on 16 November 2020

Lockdown 2 has meant the return to tougher restrictions on our social lives and many shops, hospitality and sports and leisure facilities across the Moorlands being forced to close to help bring the Covid infection rate down.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is urging people to use this time to stick to the rules and make a real difference to the number of cases so that we can all start to return to doing the things we love when restrictions ease.

Council Leader, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, said: "We've all had to make big changes to how we work and live this year and we don't underestimate the impact this has had, and continues to have, on our communities and local businesses.

"But the fact remains that this virus is still very much present in our communities and the only way to stop it spreading is to stay at home as much as possible for the time being and, when you go out for essential reasons, following the basic rules of hands, face, space.

"We've all missed out on doing so many of the things we enjoy with the people we love - something that's brought into sharp focus as we approach Christmas - and I thank everyone for their continued efforts.

"Now is the time to show our strength, double our resolve and stick to the rules so that we can, hopefully, get back to more normal lives in the near future."

The enhanced cleaning and other safety measures the Council implemented after the first lockdown have meant that many of the things that had to close earlier in this year can stay open this time around.

Traders selling essential items such as food and drink products, face coverings and hardware can continue to operate and the Butter Market remains open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The outdoor market on Wednesdays is also still taking place for the sale of essential items. All indoor and outdoor stalls are operating in a Covid-secure way with a one-way entrance and exit system at the Butter Market.

The Trestle Market and Archer Fairs antique and collectors markets are suspended at this time and, in line with national restrictions, leisure centres and swimming pools are closed and football matches on Council pitches are suspended.

Playgrounds remain open but events in parks involving more than two people, such as park runs, cannot take place.

The Tourist Information Centre at the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery in Leek is also closed.  

Councillor Ralphs added: "Where we can we're keeping much-valued local facilities like playgrounds and public toilets in operation and, of course, the Council remains very much open for business.

"Many of our services are available via our website and people should continue to contact us for help and support from our teams."