Second lockdown ‘already underway’ as three major regions have new restrictions

The Department for Health has confirmed on Friday, that new local lockdown measures are to be imposed in parts of the Midlands, North West and West Yorkshire, affecting millions of people

Fresh restrictions will come into force in Wolverhampton, Oadby & Wigston, and parts of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale.

The department has escalated Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington and Halton to areas of intervention.

The regulations will come into force from Tuesday, 22 September and measures will differ within the areas.

Residents will not be allowed to socialise with other people outside of their homes or support bubble, in private homes and gardens.

Hospitality sector will be restricted to table service only and there will be a curfew on opening hours between 10pm and 5am for all bars, pubs and restaurants, including cinemas.

More than 10m UK residents are now living under tighter coronavirus measures, ranging from 10pm to 5am curfew, travel bans from leaving their areas to households banned from mixing.

LBC reporter Matthew Thompson said on Thursday that “There are now approximately 9,914,500 people under some form of lockdown in the UK, according to an LBC analysis.

“Nearly 10 million people.

“That is 15% of the population, and includes parts of all four nations.

“Feels a bit like a second lockdown is already underway.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Friday afternoon, “We are seeing cases of coronavirus rise fast in Lancashire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Warrington, Halton and Wolverhampton.

“Local leaders in these areas have asked for stronger restrictions to be put in place to protect local people, and we are acting decisively to support them.

“I know these restrictions will make every-day life harder for many, but I know that residents will work together and respect the rules so we can reduce rates of transmission.

“I urge local people to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms, follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace, and always remember ‘hands, face, space’. By sticking to these steps, we will get through this together.”