Hotspot targets in lockdown city

LEICESTER’s lockdown could be eased in some areas in favour of a more targeted approach.

New Covid-19 cases have dropped there from its recent peak, according to NHS England.

But infections are not falling fast enough to warrant a citywide lifting of restrictions.

It is now two weeks since Matt Hancock announced Leicester would be the first city in the UK to be put under a local lockdown.

Data shows 115 cases per 100,000 people were detected in the seven days to July 9 – slightly down on the 120 cases per 100,000 people in the previous week.

The Health Secretary spoke with the city’s Mayor Peter Soulsby yesterday and has suggested officials could be more targeted in their approach.

He said that approach is being done nationwide to tackle outbreaks of Covid-19.

Mr Hancock said: “Each week there are more than 100 local actions taken across the country – some of these will make the news, but many more are swiftly and silently dealt with.

“This is thanks in large part to the incredible efforts of local authorities – all of whom have stepped up and published their local outbreak control plans.”

His comments come after 73 cases of the virus were confirmed at a farm in Herefordshire, leading to around 200 workers being quarantined as a precautionary measure.

The Health Secretary said an increased testing capacity means the Government can take “more targeted local action and less national lockdown”.

He said that door-todoor testing, which was utilised in the worst-hit areas of Leicester, is to be used more widely to curb outbreaks in the coming months.

Portable walk-in centres will also be stationed in areas where there is a flare-up of the virus.