Towns warned they could be on the verge of a mini lockdown

HOUSEHOLDS, pub-goers and diners flouting the ‘rule of 6’ are some of the reasons why Nuneaton and Bedworth is on the verge of a mini coronavirus local lockdown.

Repeated warnings about not breaking the government’s ‘Rule of 6’ appear to be falling on deaf ears across the two towns as health bosses have warned the borough could soon face stricter restrictions.

Over the last month, the number of cases per 100,000 of the population in Nuneaton and Bedworth has risen to 54.7.

While it is lower than the likes of Birmingham and Solihull, the rate is ‘too high’ according to Dr Shade Agboola, Warwickshire County Council’s Director of Public Health for Warwickshire. And she has said that if cases do not fall, the borough could become an ‘area of concern’,

This could mean introducing a ban on different households mixing in homes and gardens and expanding use of face coverings to all enclosed public spaces.

It is a last resort but Dr Agboola said people need to start sticking to the rules - especially when it comes to having visitors at home, going to the pub and also eating out.

“Household transmission has been identified as the main cause of the increase in cases in the borough, so keeping to the rule of six is essential,” she said.

“We have also seen an increase in cases in people visiting public houses and restaurants and we have been working closely with local businesses to ensure that people visiting the premises are adhering to the rules.

“To reduce the rise in cases, the rules are simple, wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering when asked to do so and keep your space from those you do not live with.

“Only by stepping up and taking responsibility for ourselves and each other can we reduce the number of cases in Nuneaton and Bedworth. “

Only at the weekend, rule flouting teens ignored advice of the police and refused to break-up from large gatherings.

It means that a total of 17 teenagers now face £200 fines.

A pub owner in the Nuneaton and Bedworth area was previously fined £200 by Warwickshire Police for breaking coronavirus regulations.

And two people in Bramcote were given £10,000 fines for rule-breaking gatherings.

Residents are urged to continue to: Wash your hands regularly and when that’s not possible use hand sanitiser.

Keep at least two metres from people you don’t live with.

Wear a face covering in enclosed places, on public transport and in shops unless you are exempt.

Know the symptoms of Covid-19 and book a test as soon as symptoms appear.

Follow the rules and self-isolate if you have symptoms, if you have a positive Covid test or if you are asked to by the NHS Test and Trace service.

Download the NHS Test and Trace App and leave your details when at social venues.