How coronavirus ‘three tier traffic light system’ lockdown would work in Doncaster

Following news that England could be placed into ‘three tier traffic light system’ of lockdown in a bid to curb the ever-increasing infection rate, what would it actually mean for Doncaster?

The proposed system, leaked by The Guardian yesterday, implies that there would be a three alert levels – with level three being the most serious.

The three levels would also be branded by the traffic light colours, with red being alert level three.

It comes about after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government plans a more ‘simplified approach’ to local lockdowns.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said to the Commons: “I’ll update the House in due course on what action the Government is taking so we can have more consistent approaches to levels of local action, working with our colleagues in local government.

“For now, it’s essential that people follow the guidance in their local area.

“The proposals that we are working through and that I will bring to this House are to have a more simplified approach to the local action that we took.

"We have shared that approach with the devolved administrations.”

The leaked document states that red alert level three would be “triggered in geographical areas or nationally when alert level 2 measures have not contained the spread of the virus, or where there has been a significant rise in transmission.”

What do each of the alert levels mean?

Green alert (level one) - These are restrictions that have already been implemented by government: the 'Rule of six' in public and indoors, face masks become mandatory in shops, pubs, restaurants and and on transport – plus a 10pm curfew for hospitality establishments, and 15 people at weddings, 30 at funerals.

Amber alert (level two) – This level has already been implemented in local lockdown areas, such as the North East, and would mean no social contact indoors (including homes or hospitality establishments) or in private gardens with people outside of your bubbles, and it is essential journeys only (ie. work travel).

Red alert (level three) – This would be the next step implemented by government should cases and the infection rate continue to sky-rocket. There would be a ban on social contact with anyone not in your household, pubs, restaurants and leisure businesses would be asked to close once again, and amateur sports (such as bowling, or 5-a-side football) would also be banned. Places of worship would remain open, however.

What does it mean for Doncaster?

The infection rate in the Doncaster has more than doubled in the space of a week, with the latest weekly infection rate as of October 2 at 111.1.

The infection rate is measured as the amount new cases per 100,000 people.

The town is now officially a coronavirus hotspot, according to a university study, as it has an infection rate of higher than 50 regularly.

Now, Sheffield’s director of public health, Greg Fell, has said it is only a matter of time before Sheffield goes in to a local lockdown – and the restrictions implemented could follow the three-tier guidelines outlined above.

Nearby Rotherham is also classed as an ‘area of concern’, with the possibility of Doncaster following.