VIRUS IS SLOWING
R figure falls from 1.7 to 1.1 as 2m hit with curbs Pub curfew row as Turkey gets travel ban
THE coronavirus infection rate appeared to be slowing last night as two million more people had local lockdown measures slapped on them.
Scientists say a dip in the “R” rate from 1.7 to 1.1 could be down to people observing rules – but warn the outbreak is still growing.
Naming new regions to face lockdown, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said households will be banned from mixing indoors in the same way as those locked down across the North East.
They will also be advised to avoid spectator sports, care home visits will only be made in exceptional circumstances and all but essential travel will be banned.
The restrictions apply from midnight tonight in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Warrington and Liverpool – where cases have risen to 268 per 100,000.
But defiant Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston warned: “We defy the Government and we do not accept these measures.”
Pub boss Sarah Best, 28, said townsfolk will back the mayor over the Government, adding: “The 10pm curfew has been bad enough and doesn’t work.”
Around 16.7 million people in England and Wales are now living under tougher restrictions.
Mr Hancock said: “I know these measures are yet another sacrifice. But there are signs what we are doing is starting to work.” He spoke as the UK recorded another 6,914 cases and 59 deaths yesterday.
And Turkey and Poland were the latest destinations removed from the travel corridor list, along with the Caribbean islands of Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba.
Thomas Cook last night removed breaks to Turkey and Poland from its website.
The firm, which relaunched last month, said: “Turkey has been so popular and it’s a huge shame.” The React study, carried out b e tw e en September 18 and 26 by Imperial College London and Ipsos Mori , suggests the outbreak is now doubling in size every 10 days.
It was previously every seven.
React study director Prof Paul Elliott said: “It does seem the rate of increase may have slowed.
“So that suggests some recent announcements and the focus again on pay ing attention to the public health message seems to be beginning to
While the epidemic may not be expanding as quickly as it was, it is still growing
DR DAVID STRAIN MEDICAL CHAIR, BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
was one in 800. Increases were noted in al l regions and age groups – including a six-fold increase in over-65s. Rates were highest in 18 to 24s, with one in every 100 positive.
Co-author Prof Steven Riley said: “The prevalence is the important measure and increased across all regions. The deceleration is evidence people changed behaviour and it is consistent with the Rule of Six. It is a bit of an optimistic sign.”
React scientists acknowledge there is a large degree of uncertainty around the lower R estimate. And Dr David Strain, medical chair of the BMA, said: “These results should not be used to suggest the threat is diminishing.
While the epidemic may not be expanding as quickly as it was, it is still growing.”
Strict measures in Bolton will be eased in line with the rest of Greater Manchester after pleas by local leaders. But local lockdowns have hit Denbighshire, Flintshire, Conwy and Wrexham in North Wales.
Labour leader Keir Starmer wants a “rapid review”. And Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston blasted new restrictions, saying: “We defy the
Government and we do not accept these measures.” Middlesbrough pub boss Sarah Best, 28, warned locals will back the mayor over the Government, adding: “The 10pm curfew has been bad enough and doesn’t work.”
The Health Secretary also came under fire from MPs over the pub curfew, saying it will be kept under review. Steve Rotheram, mayor of Liverpool city region, urged ministers to reveal the scientific evidence.
And independent leader of Hartlepool council Shane Moore branded pub rules “draconian”, adding: “One of the things we were clear about was we would not enter any restriction until we knew what the exit strategy was.”
Ministers are said to be considering a “traffic light” system for towns in England to help end confusion on local lockdowns. There are currently 47 areas with different restrictions.