West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged people to get out safely to keep the local economy alive as new ‘tier 2’ restrictions come into force next week.

The Government has confirmed that Worcestershire will come into the ‘high alert category’ which will see shops, gyms and personal care establishments re-open.

Harriett urged local people to show their support for smaller retailers and businesses which have had to close down in the crucial run up to Christmas.

The extra national restrictions will end on December 2 and the tiering system will return across the country – although travel and gathering restrictions are being relaxed for a short time over Christmas.

The full guidelines can be read at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Harriett said: “This year has been very difficult for so many local people and I want to thank them again for making tremendous sacrifices which have kept the incidence of the virus low in West Worcestershire.

“From December 2nd our wonderful local shops, restaurants and personal care businesses will reopen and most fitness activities will be allowed again.

“It could not be more important that people show their own support for local businesses by going out where allowed, in a Covid-safe way and help to keep our economy alive.

“Keeping the virus at bay remains essential but it is clear to me and many of my constituents, that we need to show our support for local businesses as we use local testing capacity and start to roll out the vaccines as quickly as possible.”