Coronavirus: the new 3 tier system and what it means for Sheffield

Thinking of travelling to Sheffield but you’re really not sure if you should?

Well, here’s the latest that you need to know about Sheffield to help you make an informed decision.

How many cases of Coronavirus are there in Sheffield?

According to the figures available at the time of writing, Sheffield has recorded 383 cases per 100,000 of population in the 7 days leading up to 10 October 2020. (Source: data.gov.uk)

The rate at which the number of cases is rising puts Sheffield firmly on the government’s radar and the city, along with surrounding areas, will now be in the second tier, or high category for the foreseeable future.

How does the tier system work?

Tier 1 is classed as Medium Risk. Areas in tier 1 have to follow national guidelines:

• Pubs, bars and restaurants close at 10pm
• The Rule of 6 applies indoors and outdoors

Tier 2 is High Risk and there are additional restrictions:

• The Rule of 6 now only applies outdoors
• Households may not mix in homes or gardens

Tier 3 is a High Risk category (the rise of transmission is very high) and the rules are:

• Pubs and bars may not open unless serving and acting like a restaurant
• Casinos, gyms, leisure centres and betting shops must remain closed
• Shops, universities and schools will remain open

There is also the COVID-19 app which is becoming central to the NHS Test and Trace Service (England) and NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect Service.

Sheffield is open for business

The tier 2 ruling means that families in separate households are not allowed in each others houses and any gatherings outdoors must be no larger than 6.

So while family and friends cannot mix on a social basis, businesses still have to survive and the need to travel has been recognised as a key driver for getting business done.

Whether you’re a contractor or an IT consultant you may be required to travel to and stay in Sheffield.

This means that Sheffield is still open for business.

What are we doing about the outbreak?

If you plan to stay in Sheffield, then Nest Apartments are ready for you. Staying in an apartment means that you can fully isolate yourself while staying connected via WiFi.

In addition to isolating, you can take comfort from the measures we have in place to control the spread of the virus.

We have:

• a strict cleaning and disinfection policy which applies before and after each guest visits
• hand sanitisation products in all our apartments
• ensured our apartments are suitable for self-isolaters and key workers
• self check-in procedures

In addition to this we are supporting our guests and the governments Test and Trace system by issuing QR Codes that are specific for each apartment.

It is not mandatory to scan the codes but they may be used by guests if they wish to take part.