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Covid rules: Which areas have new coronavirus lockdowns? Covid rules: How much of the UK is now under some sort of lockdown?
(3 days later)
More areas of the UK have announced localised restrictions to stem the spread of coronavirus.More areas of the UK have announced localised restrictions to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Cardiff, Swansea, Llanelli, Leeds, Stockport, Wigan and Blackpool are the latest areas to take these measures Neath Port Talbot, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan are the latest local authorities to impose extra measures.
How many people are under extra restrictions?How many people are under extra restrictions?
In total, at least 15.7 million people are in local lockdowns in the UK - near to one in four people (24%). In total, at least 16.6 million people are in local lockdowns in the UK - about one in four people.
This includes:This includes:
The latest change means 65% of northern England faces restrictions and 22% of the Midlands. Currently, 65% of northern England faces restrictions and 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:
Wales:Wales:
England:England:
Scotland:Scotland:
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.
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..
What are 'areas of concern'?
Since June, Public Health England has been publishing a weekly Covid-19 surveillance list.
This lists those local authority areas where incidence of the disease is rising, sorting them into three categories:
On 25 September, all 33 London boroughs were listed as areas of concern.
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.