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Coronavirus: What are the new local lockdown rules? Coronavirus: Which areas are under lockdown and what are the rules?
(3 days later)
Coronavirus restrictions are being tightened in parts of the West Midlands, including Birmingham, from Tuesday with households no longer allowed to mix. Coronavirus restrictions are being tightened in parts of north-east England, including Sunderland and Newcastle.
It is the latest of a number of areas to have local lockdowns put in place as cases increase. They are the latest areas to see extra measures put in place as cases increase.
Which areas are under lockdown? Which areas have lockdowns?
As of 11 September, parts of north-west England, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Leicester, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are under local lockdown.
You can find out online which places in England, Scotland and Wales have imposed extra restrictions.You can find out online which places in England, Scotland and Wales have imposed extra restrictions.
How long do local lockdowns last? What triggers an area into lockdown?
Local lockdowns are regularly reviewed and when the number of infections falls, the restrictions start to be eased again. There is no set level of infection that triggers a lockdown in a particular area, but if it posts more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered.
Restrictions in Aberdeen have now been lifted, while two households can now meet indoors again in Stockport, Burnley, Hyndburn and some parts of Bradford and Kirklees. As of 16 September, Sunderland's rate was 82.1 per 100,000 people, South Tyneside was 93.4, Gateshead was 81.7 and Newcastle was 64.1.
Why are there local lockdowns? The number of infections is not the only factor considered.
In a bid stop local coronavirus outbreaks, areas with high infection rates can be locked-down, or have extra restrictions introduced. For example, cases in Northampton jumped to 125 per 100,000 in August. But as the rise was almost entirely down to workers at a local factory no lockdown was introduced.
This could mean locking down a hospital or factory, or even a whole city.
Local authorities in England have powers to:
Ministers can:
What triggers a local lockdown?
There is no set level of infection that triggers a local lockdown.
But if an area posts more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered.
Measures were introduced in Caerphilly after it registered 55.4 coronavirus cases per 100,000 population. This was the highest rate in Wales.
However, the number of infections is not the only factor considered.
For example, cases in Northampton jumped to 125 per 100,000 in August. But as the rise was almost entirely down to workers at a local factory no local lockdown was introduced.
Local decision-makers have a framework they can use to decide whether their area should be placed under extra restrictions to protect the public..Local decision-makers have a framework they can use to decide whether their area should be placed under extra restrictions to protect the public..
What is an 'area of concern'? How long do local or regional lockdowns last?
Lockdowns are regularly reviewed and when the number of infections falls, restrictions start to be eased again.
For instance, restrictions in Aberdeen were introduced in August but later lifted.
How are these lockdowns enforced?
Local authorities in England have powers to:
Central government can:
What warnings are given before lockdown?
Public Health England publishes a weekly list of areas where rising infection rates are becoming worrying.Public Health England publishes a weekly list of areas where rising infection rates are becoming worrying.
It separates them into "areas of concern", "areas of enhanced support" and "areas of intervention".It separates them into "areas of concern", "areas of enhanced support" and "areas of intervention".
This means it could do more testing in care homes or with communities it thinks are at higher risk. It could also close down individual venues such as a pub.
Can police enforce a lockdown?Can police enforce a lockdown?
Police have powers to enforce a local lockdown. For example, if they believe that somebody is staying away overnight, they can tell them to return home. Police have powers to enforce a lockdown. For example, if they believe that somebody is staying away overnight, they can tell them to return home.
They can also fine people for breaking the rules, and may issue a "prohibition notice" directing somebody not to do something.They can also fine people for breaking the rules, and may issue a "prohibition notice" directing somebody not to do something.
But if a resident from a locked-down area wanted to go to a bar in another part of the city, for example, there is nothing legally to stop them. But if a resident from a locked-down area wants to go to a bar in another part of the city, for example, there is nothing legally to stop them.
Instead, the government hopes people's sense of civic responsibility will see them follow guidance to stay at home.Instead, the government hopes people's sense of civic responsibility will see them follow guidance to stay at home.