| Good evening, Just when we were getting to grips with the Government’s Three Tier Covid alert system, we are now hearing of plans for a Tier 4. Perhaps this is not entirely surprising, given that parts of Lancashire have been living under some form of restrictions for several months and there is little sign of the number of new cases - or the R rate - coming down. In fact, neighbouring Blackburn with Darwen now has the highest number of cases in the country at 755 cases per 100,000. And this is an area which has been under restrictions almost from the moment that we moved out of total lockdown. So what is the answer? Do we all need to go into the short, sharp circuit breaker favoured by scientists? Or would that cause more health issues and economic problems of another kind? Given that many of our local hospitals are full to the brim, the effect on the NHS may well be the issue which tips the scales in favour of a ‘Tier 4’ where restaurants and non-essential shops close. Not something any of us want, but we may just have to save the most vulnerable people around us. Feel free to email me your views at gillian.parkinson@jpimedia.co.uk I would like to ask if those of you who do not yet subscribe to www.lep.co.uk would consider taking out a digital subscription. By doing so, you are supporting local, community journalism and helping to ensure that it survives and thrives. A subscription gives you unlimited access to the site, for all the news and sport you need - and more. You can subscribe here: https://www.lep.co.uk/subscriptions And thank you. Gillian Parkinson Editor | 
