Home Secretary Priti Patel has confirmed reports that Leicester could be set to become the first area in England to have a localised lockdown.
This follows a 658 new coronavirus cases in the two weeks to 16 June across Leicester, and a mobile testing unit has been sent to find out how far the virus has spread.
The Home Secretary said the government are supporting the local authority and steps are being taken to “control the virus.”
“We have seen flare-ups across the country in recent weeks, in just the last three or four weeks in particular.”
Speaking to the BBCs Andrew Marr show, she said “well that’s correct,” when asked if Leicester will see a localised lockdown imposed.
Patel added, “There will be support going into Leicester and in fact the Health Secretary was in touch with many of us over the weekend explaining some of the measures, the support on testing, resources that will go into the local authority as well.
“With local flare-ups it is right we have a localised solution in terms of infection control, social distancing, testing and many of the tools actually within the Public Health England space which will come together to control the virus, to stop the spread so obviously we can get on top of the infection.”
The Sunday Times reported that the government could place the city into lockdown “within days.”
A spokesman for the Department for Health said, “We urge the people of Leicester to continue to practice social distancing, wash their hands regularly, get tested immediately if they have symptoms and follow the advice their receive if contacted by NHS Test and Trace.”
This breaking news story is being updated…
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