Leicester lockdown extended after cases rise, but mayor is ‘sceptical’

Stricter lockdown measures have been announced for Leicester after a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the city.

Health secretary Matt Hancock last night told MPS that non-essential shops in the city will close from today and schools will close to most pupils from Thursday.

Mr Hancock said the easing of the lockdown planned for the rest of England on Saturday cannot happen in Leicester because of rising cases.

“We recommend to people in Leicester, stay at home as much as you can, and we recommend against all but essential travel to, from and within Leicester,” he said.

“We’ll monitor closely adhering to social distancing rules and we’ll take further steps if that is what’s necessary.

“I know that this is a worrying time for people living in Leicester and I want you to know you have our full support.

“We do not take these decisions lightly but with the interests of the people of Leicester in our hearts.”

Sir Peter Soulsby, the city’s Labour mayor, said he “remains sceptical” and that his discussion with

Mr Hancock earlier in the day “took matters no further” than the Public Health England (PHE) report he had received.

Sir Peter earlier heavily criticised the Government over its handling of the situation in the city, saying he needs to “be convinced” that an extension to lockdown is necessary.

Leicester has recorded 866 new cases of coronavirus in the past two weeks, leading to speculation over the weekend the city would be locked down.

Sir Peter said of the PHE report: “If the virus is out of control or is spreading with the restrictions, I can’t see how extending them for a further two weeks would make any difference to that.”