DEVON’S move into Tier 3 restrictions has left MPs disappointed, but they felt it was inevitable.

The government has reviewed the tier restrictions, and Devon moved up to Tier 3 on New Year’s Eve.

The rules means that you must not meet socially indoors with anybody who you do not live with, or you are not in a support bubble with and you must not meet socially outdoors (in a private garden or at most outdoor public venues) with anybody who you do not live with, or you are not in a support bubble with.

Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services. Food or drink bought via these must not be consumed on the premises including beer gardens.

Hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses, must close, except for those travelling for work, while most tourist venues and entertainment must close, but some outdoor venues are permitted to remain open.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon (Designate) said: ‘Cases in Devon, while we have been in Tier 2, have been rising in all age groups, as per the national trend. Without further intervention with tighter restrictions, we are likely to have seen cases continuing to rise and therefore I feel this announcement was inevitable.

‘The decision has been made to place us into Tier 3 and what is important now is we do everything we can to adhere to these tighter restrictions to help bring down cases in Devon

‘We will have heard the welcome news today that a second vaccine has been approved for use from early January, but we cannot sit back and relax on the strength of that.

‘Please keep up the effort, and remember the key messages, to social distance, wear your face coverings when in a public space where social distancing is not possible, and wash your hands properly and regularly.’

Anne Marie Morris, MP for Newton Abbot, said: ‘It is unsurprising that Devon has been placed in Tier 3, given the rising rates across the county and country.

‘January is traditionally the busiest month of the year for the NHS and I would urge people to continue following the rules, in order to reduce the spread of this terrible disease and protect the most vulnerable in society.

‘Alongside colleagues, I continue to call on the Government to publish data on the impact this pandemic is having on non-Covid health conditions.’

Ben Bradshaw MP for Exeter said: ‘This is clearly disappointing, as our figures are still among the lowest in the country, but I suppose the dire and deteriorating situation elsewhere & the huge pressure on the NHS made it inevitable.

‘We are now paying the price of locking down too late in October, coming out of that lockdown too early and the chaos and confusion over Christmas.

‘I fear we could see another national lockdown before the benefits of the vaccination programme begun to be felt.’

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said: ‘Case numbers continue to rise across the county and our NHS remains under strain. There is hope and optimism following independent approval of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine which will be rolled-out from next week. This is very welcome news, but we can’t let our guard down.’

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in the UK, with the first doses due to be given on Monday.

On the approval of the Oxford vaccine, Ms Morris said: ‘It is fantastic news that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use by the MHRA.

‘This is a game changer and will enable the NHS to significantly increase vaccination capacity, especially in harder to reach places such as rural care homes. The sooner we can roll out the vaccine, the sooner we can begin to head back to “normality”.’

Kevin Foster, MP for Torbay, said: ‘This is a triumph for British Science and a leap forward in our fight against Covid-19 both in the UK and globally, given it can be distributed via existing vaccination routes due to it being able to be stored in a fridge. I know plans for using it are already well advanced in our bay, including ensuring it reaches the most vulnerable living in care homes.

‘Whilst there will still be some difficult days ahead, the Oxford Vaccine holds out the hope of a more normal summer season for our bay and its tourism industry, but for now we cannot let our guard down.’

Sir Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon said: ‘The approval of the Oxford vaccine is wonderful news. I hope we can vaccinate around two million per week starting almost immediately and also people in care homes.’

MP for Exeter, Ben Bradshaw, said: ‘It’s great news that the Oxford vaccine has been approved, as this is the one that most of us will get, as it is easier to deploy. The Goverment must now ensure that the NHS has the resources and staff to administer the vaccines round the clock so we can get on top of this pandemic as soon as possible.

‘I also agree with those who argue that administering one dose to as many people as possible as quickly as possible would be better than two doses to fewer people, as all the vaccines provide a very good level of protection at one dose and doing that is likely to get us out of this crisis sooner.’