I was present in the House of Commons on 30th December as the Health Secretary shared the latest coronavirus tier review update with us.

Following months of sustained challenge; the Government has now uncoupled West Dorset, and wider rural Dorset, from the Bournemouth and Poole area.

However, despite all we have done to maintain Tier 3 here, rates of infection have continued to rise across the country and we are now in a tough but very necessary national lockdown; with a strong message to ‘Stay at Home’.

In response to my challenge to the Business Secretary on 15th December, for fair support for West Dorset’s businesses during sustained restrictions, the Chancellor has this week announced enhanced measures to protect jobs and help businesses in coming months – in particular for our retail, hospitality and leisure sectors hit hard by the economic effects of the pandemic.

I encourage us all to support those local businesses offering deliveries and takeaways and to shop safely whenever we do so in person.

This has also been a difficult time for education and I would have preferred that schools did not have to close. I am grateful to the many teachers and support staff in schools who continue to care for and teach vulnerable young pupils and the children of critical workers.

I’ve been in continual dialogue with most local schools in the last week, to make sure the Government knows our position, and I’m thankful to teachers for doing all they can to work with the latest challenges and restrictions.

We now need to focus our efforts on pushing down our local infection rate again; as we did so successfully just a few weeks ago.

Personal responsibility remains key and, with vaccines offering us a light at the end of the tunnel, I am hopeful this can be achieved.

In the meantime, for further information, advice and support please visit my website at www.chrisloder.co.uk/coronavirus

CHRIS LODER

MP FOR WEST DORSET