No let up for local lockdown
STRICTER lockdown restrictions in Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale will continue for another week at least, the Government has announced.
People in these areas, as well as in parts of of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and Leicester, have not been allowed to meet people from other households indoors for the past fortnight.
Infection rates have not gone down since then so the Government has decided it is not the right time to relax these measures.
It means businesses that are being allowed to open elsewhere in the country, like casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, exhibition halls, conference centres and indoor play areas, will not be permitted to open in these areas.
Extra strict measures will continue in Bradford, where pools, indoor gyms and other leisure facilities as well as nail bars, spas and beauty salons are not allowed to open.
Minister for Health Edward Argar 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 - 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.”
People in these areas can not mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubble) within private homes or gardens. People are still able to meet others in groups up to six individuals, or two households, in outdoor public places.
In Oldham, Pendle and Blackburn with Darwen, case rates remain high so local leaders are setting up an enhanced incident team to try and bring infection rates under control, with support offered from the government. Progress will be assessed throughout the weekend and early next week.
In Leicester infection rates have declined, so a further review is being carried out and an update will be given early next week. In the meantime the current restrictions will remain in place.