Bars, pubs and restaurants could close for two weeks in worst hit areas

The government could be set to introduce stricter localised lockdowns in the worst affected coronavirus areas.

Tougher measures could be implemented in the North of England which could see a two-week closure of bars, pubs and restaurants if the infection rate continues to rise.

Certain areas in the North of England are seeing an “exponential” rise in cases despite already being placed into a social lockdown.

Newcastle is now the new coronavirus hotspot as coronavirus infections are soaring which has seen around 800 students self-isolating at Northumbria University following an outbreak.

Northumbria University said, “The increase in numbers comes in the week after students returned to university and reflects the good access to and availability of testing, as well as rigorous and robust reporting systems.

“In parts of the UK where universities started term earlier, numbers of student cases surged in induction week, and then reduced.

“We are making it clear to students that if they break the rules they will be subject to fines from police and disciplinary action by the universities which may include fines, final warnings or expulsion.”

Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed that officials are currently discussing introducing tighter rules in Merseyside and Liverpool. However, no firm decisions have been made as yet.

Eustice told the BBC, ‘It’s not really possible for me to say what they may or may not do since I think there’s currently dialogue between health officials and the local council there.

“My understanding is a decision hasn’t been made, but I am aware that discussions have been taking place about what further restrictions might be needed, I think particularly around Merseyside and Liverpool.”