Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year from
Barnsley Advertiser Issue 5 - Friday 18th December 2020 to Thursday 7th January 2021
An independent LOCALLY-owned publication free to pick up throughout the borough
FIND YOUR LOCAL CONSULTANT ON PAGES 12 & 13
Barnsley to remain in Tier 3 A message from Julia Burrows, Barnsley Director of Public Health: Following the government’s discussions around tiering, Barnsley will continue to be placed in tier 3 (very high restrictions) along with the rest of South Yorkshire. In order for us to move into a lower tier, the government will consider five criteria: ■ New infection rate in all ages - South Yorkshire’s rate ranges from 143 to 234 new cases per 100,000 people in the past 7 days. ■ New infection rate in Over 60’s - South Yorkshire’s rate is 161 new cases per 100,000. ■ Rate by which cases are rising and falling - South Yorkshire’s rate is between 8 per cent and 5 per cent when it should be below 5 per cent.
■ Number admitted to hospital with Covid in the last week - South Yorkshire had 104 new cases. ■ Pressure on the NHS South Yorkshire had 632 people in hospital beds, around 1.5 times the spring peak. I’m sure you’re all aware that the overall rate of infection in Barnsley was reducing over the past few weeks. However, we are now seeing signs that the overall rate is starting to increase again, and we have been seeing increasing infection rates in those over 65 years old for the past week or so, and
unfortunately, the pressure on NHS services remains high in Barnsley. By moving out of very high restrictions, we would put our hospitals at additional risk as well as the lives of vulnerable people in Barnsley. I understand this may be frustrating for many people, as so many have worked hard to reduce our rates. However, it is vital that we do all we can to keep the virus under control as much as possible as we have seen how quickly infections and deaths can increase. We recognise the impact this decision will have on our hospitality industry, with this being the most profitable time of the year for local restaurants, pubs and bars. I’m also aware of the worry and anxiety it may bring for business owners, and their staff so close to
Christmas. I want to reassure people working in this industry in Barnsley that additional financial support will be made available to them, we will do all that we can to help them over the coming weeks. We have seen the positive effect your hard work has had on the rate of infections in Barnsley since the very high numbers we saw in September and October, so it is more important than ever to follow the guidance in the run-up to Christmas to help us start reducing the rates again in our vulnerable groups and to support our hospitals. Remember to regularly wash your hands, wear a face covering in public and keep a two-metre distance from people outside your household.
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ABOVE: Just a small selection of people who received the Award.
Over 4,000 nominated for their amazing achievements Barnsley Council was shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes who have gone above and beyond for their communities in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Over 4,000 businesses, community groups, voluntary groups, key workers and residents were nominated this year for the one-of-a-kind Barnsley Spirit Mayor’s Award. Cllr Caroline Makinson, Mayor of Barnsley, said: “We’ve seen some incredible community spirit
throughout these difficult times, and it’s an honour to be able to celebrate and recognise those who’ve shown true dedication in helping to keep our borough moving. “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who was nominated, and to all those who submitted a nomination. We received a staggering number of submissions for the awards, which just goes to show the amazing work that’s been happening across the borough this year.”