New local restrictions are being introduced in northeast England – including a 10pm curfew for bars and pubs and a ban on people mixing with others outside their household.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed on Thursday, September 17 that local lockdown restrictions will be introduced in parts of North East England following “concerning rates of infection”. Read on to find out which areas of the North East will be placed under additional lockdown restrictions next.
Parts of the North East are being placed under lockdown this week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced.
Speaking in the Commons, he said: “From tomorrow, in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham, residents should not socialise with other people outside their own households or support bubble.
“Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only and late night restrictions on operating hours will be introduced so leisure and entertainment venues must close between 10pm and 5am.”
Health Minister Edward Argar told Sky News earlier on Thursday: “In the North East we are seeing a spike in infections.
“It is exactly what we have seen in the North West. We monitor that rate. Where we need to, we step in and take action.”
Other ministers have also announced further restrictions for the North East in recent days.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told ITV’s Peston programme on Wednesday: “The number of cases has been rising rapidly in many parts of the country, but in particular in the North East, and so a decision has been made to impose further restrictions there.
“And a full announcement will be made tomorrow and so people living in that part of the country should watch out for that.
“And the measures will come into play at midnight on Thursday evening.
“So, over the course of the day a full briefing will be made available to everybody including the councils and business community.”
