Stricter measures have been imposed on Merseyside after a sharp rise in cases.
Tighter lockdown restrictions are set to be introduced in Liverpool in a bid to try to slow down the spread of Coronavirus in the area. As part of the new restrictions, households are no longer allowed to mix in any indoor setting including pubs, bars or restaurants. The new restrictions will be enforced from midnight tomorrow (Friday).
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced today that Merseyside, including Liverpool, Halton and Warrington, would be placed under the same restrictions that also apply in the North East – with stricter curbs on households mixing indoors.
The confirmation comes despite Hancock hailing ‘early’ indications that the nationwide Rule of Six and 10pm pubs curfew are already bringing cases under control. The Health Secretary said: “In some parts of the country the virus is spreading fast. In Liverpool the number of cases are 268 per 1,000 – so we need to act.
“Today I am extending these measures that have been in place in the North East since the start of this week to the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.
“We will provide £7m of funding to local authorities in these areas to support them with their vital work.
“The rules will be as follows: we recommend against all social mixing between people in different households, we will bring in regulations as we have in the North East to prevent, in law, social mixing between people in different households in all settings except outdoor public spaces like parks and outdoor hospitality.”
Aside from specific measures in local areas such as these, the government advises people to ensure they wash their hands regularly, wear face coverings in enclosed spaces and stay at least two metres apart from others – or one metre with a face covering or other precautions.
Within Merseyside, Liverpool has the highest rolling seven-day rate of new cases at 258 per 100,000, while nearby Knowsley is second at 262.
The new restrictions – which will see people banned from entering or leaving the region except for good reason or mixing with other people inside – also cover Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.
Liverpool and Merseyside lockdown rules:
- Ban on households mixing in all settings except outdoor public spaces. This includes private home, gardens, restaurants and pubs.
- People are advised not to socialise at sporting events. This includes attending sporting events as spectators.
- Guidance asks to limit visits to care homes.
- You should only travel for essential reasons when travelling into, within and out of the affected local area.