Leaders urge residents to follow new Covid rules as 'out of control' virus strain emerges
It is "critical" that residents follow the new coronavirus rules as an "out of control" virus strain has emerged and Christmas plans have been axed, leaders have said.
The news comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that London and the South East were to go into a new two-week lockdown in an attempt to get the disease back under control and people across the rest of England were told that household mixing over the festive period would be restricted to Christmas Day only.
And Matt Hancock has warned tough new coronavirus controls will have to remain for "some time" and that a mutant new strain of the disease was "out of control".
The Health Secretary said the country was facing an "enormous challenge" after scientists warned the new variant could be up to 70 per cent more transmissible than the original virus.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson called on the public to follow rules after the announcement at the weekend.
The PCC has also raised with the Policing Minister his concerns that last minute U-turns are making the job of the police harder.
Mr Jamieson said: “The virus poses a huge threat and the public should follow the law and government guidance, by doing so we will get back to normality quicker.
“The NPCC is rightly working on national guidance for police forces, to support them at this difficult time. West Midlands Police has taken a common sense approach so far and will continue to do so.
“Using the resources available and a proportionate response the force will ensure that the rules are followed and people are kept safe.
'Chaotic'
“I have raised with the Minister that the job of the police is being made infinitely more difficult by the chaotic handling of the crisis by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“Advice to act early has been ignored, only for a last minute U-turn to follow.
“The police are being left in the middle of a very difficult situation as a result.
“Our emergency services and the people of the West Midlands deserve better."
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street urged residents to follow the rules.
He said: "It is deeply concerning to hear about the speed of spread of the new strain of the virus.
"The West Midlands is not one of the areas moving into Tier 4, but this latest development makes following the rules even more critical.
"Please continue to do all you can to keep yourself and others safe."
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber, said the Tier 4 news was "a further alarming development".
He said: "With just five days to go, people have to shelve plans once again with many individuals working for our members in the region who now face the prospect of Christmas without being able to visit loved ones.
“This is a further alarming development for businesses in the affected areas and we continue to support fellow chambers around the country in calling for the support and decisions which are based on the health and wellbeing needs of our citizens but also take into account the damaging stop start consequences being felt by businesses opening one week only to close the next."
Shoppers in Wolverhampton yesterday branded the new rules "a disgrace" and said people would not be following them, while others believe they should have been brought in weeks ago.
