BASILDON Council leader Gavin Callaghan has warned the borough is facing a Tier 3 lockdown as coronavirus cases continue to rise. 

The warning comes as Basildon moved into the “top ten” most-affected areas in England after 588 new cases were confirmed in the latest seven-day period to November 29. 

It means the borough’s infection rate is now 314.1 per 100,000 population. 

In a message to Basildon residents, the Labour council boss said: “We are very, very close to getting to the point of 300 cases per 100,000 of our population. That would mean we would be very, very close to going into a Tier 3 lockdown.

“That would be devastating for local jobs, for people’s livelihoods and for people’s mental health.”

The Government has indicated the tier system will be reviewed on December 16, with any changes coming into effect on December 19.

Mr Callaghan added: “We do not want, on December 16, to be closing our non-essential retail and all of our other businesses that would have to close (pubs, restaurants and cafes) in Tier 3 just nine days before Christmas.”

Independent traders have also raised fears about business being hit hard if stronger rules are imposed to cut infection rates.

Sandra Porter, owner of Kingswood Flowers, Clay Hill Road, Basildon said: “It’s been a lot quieter for me and I am struggling even now. We can work from home but we will miss the walking in trade. Pubs and restaurants will also be hit hard and see a loss.

“I think it will destroy pubs and all firms will be hit hard. I hope this is not the case and we can see a way out of this soon with the medication coming.”

The Labour leader added: “I know everyone is fed up with Covid – I am fed up with Covid – everybody wants to go back to seeing their friends and families, to be going out, to be having a knees-up as we get closer to Christmas. I get it, I understand it.

“Keep playing by the rules and we will get through this together.”