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Covid rules: Which areas are under new coronavirus restrictions? Covid rules: Which areas are under new coronavirus restrictions?
(3 days later)
Coronavirus restrictions are to be tightened in parts of north-west England, West Yorkshire and the Midlands. Coronavirus restrictions are to be tightened in parts of Wales, north-west England, West Yorkshire and the Midlands.
They are the latest areas to see extra measures put in place as cases increase. Health secretary Matt Hancock has also announced a series of exemptions to the measures which relate to childcare in England only.
How many people are under extra restrictions?How many people are under extra restrictions?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said a second national lockdown would be likely to have "disastrous" financial consequences for the UK.Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said a second national lockdown would be likely to have "disastrous" financial consequences for the UK.
In total, at least 13.5 million people now face local restrictions in the UK, roughly one in five people. In total, at least 13.9 million people now face local restrictions in the UK, roughly one in five people.
This includes:This includes:
About 55% of the North of England is facing restrictions, along with 22% of the Midlands.About 55% of the North of England is facing restrictions, along with 22% of the Midlands.
Which areas have restrictions?Which areas have restrictions?
The nature and extent of restrictions vary around the UK. Some of the rules and places include:The nature and extent of restrictions vary around the UK. Some of the rules and places include:
England:England:
Scotland:Scotland:
Wales:Wales:
Northern Ireland:Northern Ireland:
Further details on the measures in place and specific areas affected have been published by the governments for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Further details on the measures in place and specific areas affected have been published by the governments for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What are the rules for childcare?
An exemption for childcare arrangements in areas with additional restrictions in England has been announced.
Where there is a "continuous childcare relationship", people will be able to care for children under 14 in order to allow the parent or guardian to attend work.
This also applies to the care of vulnerable adults and covers both formal and informal arrangements.
However, it does not allow for play dates or parties.
When are new restrictions introduced in an area?When are new restrictions introduced in an area?
There is no set level of infection that triggers this in a particular place, but if it posts more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered.There is no set level of infection that triggers this in a particular place, but if it posts more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered.
Figures for the week of 5-11 September showed rates had gone up to 145.5 per 100,000 people in Oadby & Wigston, 111.2 in Warrington, 100.6 in Liverpool, and 61.8 in Wolverhampton.Figures for the week of 5-11 September showed rates had gone up to 145.5 per 100,000 people in Oadby & Wigston, 111.2 in Warrington, 100.6 in Liverpool, and 61.8 in Wolverhampton.
The number of infections is not the only factor considered.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 restrictions were 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 restrictions were 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..
How long do local or regional restrictions last?How long do local or regional restrictions last?
The situations are regularly reviewed and when the number of infections falls, restrictions start to be eased again.The situations 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.For instance, restrictions in Aberdeen were introduced in August but later lifted.
How are these rules enforced?How are these rules enforced?
Local authorities in England have powers to:Local authorities in England have powers to:
Central government can:Central government can:
Can police enforce the rules?Can police enforce the rules?
Police have powers to make sure people stick to the restrictions. For example, if they believe that somebody is staying away overnight, they can tell them to return home.Police have powers to make sure people stick to the restrictions. 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 wants 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.