What does the new lockdown mean for me? We put your questions to county council

LOCKDOWN CITY: The streets of Leicester are quiet with most shops and businesses closed

Patrícia Rosa asked: “I read that this was mostly because the virus started to spread in many schools in Leicester after allowing more kids in. Is this true?

“And what measures will be enforced so people respect the lockdown rules this time?”

The council responded: “Public Health England have released a report about cases in Leicester, which can be read at:

“Monday’s measures will be enforced through a combination of statutory powers drafted by the government and existing local enforcement powers which can be triggered to protect the public.”

Samantha Thompson said: “Is there any point, because those who have been following the guidelines still are and those who haven’t been still aren’t?

“So instead of coming down harder on rule breakers you’re just punishing the ones who have been following the rules already for longer.”

A council spokesman said: “This isn’t really about punishing anyone, but taking steps to ensure that the transmission of the virus is reduced and people are safe.”

Sarah Mooney said: “I live just outside the red line, so technically not in the local lockdown, am I able to travel abroad still?”

The council said: “It depends where you’re travelling to and if there are restrictions in place with regard to that destination. But yes - you must follow the rules which apply to the rest of England.”

Helen Butterworth asked: “My husband and I live in Glenfield and we formed a ‘bubble’ with our daughter in Anstey, who is a single mum, as soon as we were told we could.

“She has also been suffering severe health problems for about 18 months and they have needed our almost daily support.

“Regular blood tests meant that all the way through the crisis I have had to drive her as she hasn’t been able to drive. Can we still have a bubble with them?”

The council responded: “As long as you’re not clinically vulnerable, you can form a social bubble with a single person with dependent children. It would depend on your daughter’s health needs and whether she’s clinically vulnerable to Covid-19. As by forming a bubble – you might be putting her at risk.

“Also – as before – if anyone shows symptoms, you’ll all need to self-isolate.”

Lisa Brown asked: “We are moving house from Shropshire to Oadby on July 25. Will we still be able to do this as after this date we will be homeless otherwise.”

The council said: “Yes – this would be considered essential travel.”

Rosalyn Sherwin asked: “What is there to stop people travelling to Loughborough?”

The council spokesman said: “Travel for essential reasons is permitted, so if a journey to Loughborough is essential then it can go ahead.”

Magdalena Tomaszczuk asked: “If the situation here gets better, what are the next steps of easing the lockdown?”

The council said: “The measures will be reviewed every two weeks and restrictions will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.”