The leader of Milton Keynes Council has called on locals to help reduce covid numbers locally after the city was placed into tier 2 restrictions.

Council Leader Pete Marland has reacted after the health trust covering Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire, along with neighbouring ones in Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and the majority of southern England, were placed into the middle of the UK’s 3 tiers for covid rates.

Most of the UK has been placed into tier 2 or tier 3 restrictions ahead of the proposed easing of the full national lockdown next week, with only Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight being placed in the lowest tier 1 category.

Among the rules introduced as part of tier 2 include:

  • you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
  • you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
  • pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals
  • hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol and close after 11pm

One noteworthy feature is that outdoor sports events can have 2,000 supporters.

Marland said, “Milton Keynes, along with our neighbours in Bedfordshire, has been placed in Tier 2 of restrictions when the national lockdown ends.

“Our current infection rates and hospital admissions did mean this was going to be the most likely outcome. The main impact is that households are unable to mix indoors and certain restrictions will be placed on hospitality.

“We must now work really hard to bring the rate down across MK. It is possible if this does not happen we will move towards an even higher tier and even more restrictions. However by working together, staying home if you can, taking care and respecting social distancing we can bring the rate down.”