GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER
■ Government announces tougher rules on indoor mixing between households as virus cases rise sharply in the North East
The health secretary has announced further restrictions for the North East and will mean meeting friends or family at the pub will now be illegal.
Speaking at the House of Commons, Matt Hancock announced further restrictions for the North East after the number of COVID-19 cases continued to rise “sharply” despite measures implemented on Friday, September 18.
The new measures announced yesterday include “restrictions on indoor mixing between households in any setting”.
Mr Hancock told the Commons :“Today I must announce further measures for the parts of the North East where we introduced local action a fortnight ago.
“Unfortunately the number of cases continues to rise sharply. The incident rate across the area is now over 100 cases per 100,000. We know that a large number of these infections are taking place in indoor settings outside the home.
“And so at the request of the local councils, with whom we have been working closely, we will introduce legal restrictions on indoor mixing between households in any setting.
lightly, “We but do not we must take these take them steps and take them now because we know that swift action is more likely to bring the virus under control and the quicker we can get this virus under control, the quicker we can restore the freedoms we all enjoy in the north-east and across the country.”
It has previously been against the guidance, but not against the law, to meet family or friends at an indoor public venue such as a pub or restaurant.
It is expected this will impact the already struggling leisure These industry measures further. will now be enforceable by law and subject to fines from 00:01 tomorrow (Wednesday). The rules will apply to the same seven areas, including Sunderland, South Tyneside and Durham.
C OVID secure schools and workplaces are not affected by the update. The Department of Health and Social Care also said a funding package is being agreed with councils to support the measures, with further details to be confirmed. The new changes are in addition to existing regulations prohibiting household mixing in private homes and gardens. However, the DHSC added in a statement :“As announced last week, childcare bubbles will be able to form in areas of intervention to allow families to share caring responsibilities with another household, as long as they are consistent. This includes formal and informal childcare arrangements. People in support bubbles in these areas can also continue to meet in any setting.” From yesterday, businesses could face fines of up to £10,000 if they are not ‘COVID secure’. Hospitality businesses have been told they are required to ensure:
• • no unlawful gatherings in their premises;
• • ensuring customers observe the rule of six;
• • appropriate social distancing signage and layout is in place;
• • customer entry is managed.