THESE are the eight towns and cities facing local lockdowns like Manchester and Leicester.
Newark and Sherwood in Notts was added to the government’s ‘watchlist’ today, meaning residents could soon be restricted from seeing their families indoors.
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In Newark and Sherwood there are 26.3 Covid cases per 100,000 population – compared to 34 cases per 100,000 in Manchester and 56.3 per 100,000 in Leicester.
The latest data from the Department of Health shows a continued rise in cases in Oldham and Pendle while numbers remain high in Blackburn with Darwen.
A total of 89.7 cases per 100,000 population have been confirmed in Pendle to date, with 82.3 per 100,000 in Oldham and 82.3 per 100,000 in Blackburn with Darven.
They are among 20 towns and cities in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Leicestershire on the government’s Covid hotlist – and where indoor gatherings are banned between different households.
It is likely, that the rise in cases in these areas are partly due to an increase in testing.
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The Department of Health revealed today that lockdown restrictions will continue in the above areas for another week, following the surge in coronavirus cases.
Casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, exhibition halls, conference centres and indoor play areas will not be permitted to open in the areas – as they are in the rest of England tomorrow.
Government officials will now work with local leaders in the areas of concern by setting up an “enhanced incident team” to tackle the rate of infection.
Residents will still not able to meet people they do not live with inside a private home or garden – unless they have formed a support bubble.
Meanwhile, Luton is undergoing ‘enhanced support’ from the government, meaning it will be given additional resources including increased testing and help for managing outbreaks.
PUBS REMAIN SHUT
Locals affected by the local lockdowns will not be allowed to socialise with other people in pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops or places of worship.
People can, however, meet others in groups up to six individuals – or two households – in outdoor public places.
Nail bars, spas, beauty salons, pools and indoor gyms will remained closed in Leicester, Blackburn and Bradford.
And vulnerable people will still need to shield in Blackburn with Darwen and Leicester.
Today, the Health Secretary said the strict rules – introduced two weeks ago – must remain in place to help protect local residents.
Edward Argar, Minister for Health, said: “I’d like to thank everyone in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Leicester for their continued patience in following these vital rules put in place to tackle the spread of the disease – I know it hasn’t been easy.
“We will review the measures again next week as part of our ongoing surveillance and monitoring of the latest data.
“It is essential we all remain vigilant, and I urge everyone in these areas to continue to follow the rules.”
He added: “Wash your hands regularly, follow social distancing, get yourself a free test as soon as you get any symptoms, and isolate if NHS Test and Trace tells you to.”
