Lockdown restrictions are to remain in place
WITH RATES RISING, NO CHANGES TO RULES CONFIRMED
THE existing Leicester lockdown restrictions will remain in place for the time being, the government has confirmed.
The Department of Health and Social Care has carried out its latest review of the rules it put in place for the city at the end of June to try to suppress a local outbreak of Covid19.
With infection rates rising in the city, in line with other parts of the country, it has decided the existing ban on mixing between households in homes or gardens must stay in place.
There is no change to the rules in Oadby and Wigston, which shares the same restrictions as the city.
Blaby remains on the government’s watchlist because of its infection rate.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We continue to see an acceleration of Covid-19 cases across the country.
“Working alongside our scientific and public health experts and local leaders, we are prepared to take swift and decisive action to reduce transmission of the virus and protect communities.
“I recognise the burden and impact these additional measures have on our daily lives but we must act collectively and quickly to bring down infections.
“We all have a part to play and I urge everyone to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms, follow the advice of Test and Trace, and always remember ‘hands, face, space’.”
Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he had not been anticipating any alterations to the rules.
He said: “It is as we expected it would be.
“We hope the measures will help push down the rates here because the sooner that happens the sooner the city can be released from a lockdown that has been in place longer than anywhere else in the country.”
The following changes to restrictions were introduced nationally this week:
Pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table-service only, except for takeaways. All must close at 10pm. Takeaways can continue to deliver after 10pm.
Face coverings are now compulsory for staff in shops, taxi drivers and passengers, and staff and customers in indoor hospitality, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach rules.
From Monday, September 28, weddings are limited to a maximum of 15 people.
■ Up to 30 can still attend a funeral.
■ Adult indoor team sports are limited to maximum 6 people.
You can be fined up to £10,000 if you fail to self-isolate.
The fine for breaking the rule of six or the rules on face coverings has doubled to £200 for a first offence.