Q&A: what the new Covid rules mean for north-west England and Yorkshire
Tougher coronavirus restrictions have been announced in large parts of north-west England, West Yorkshire and the Midlands from Tuesday, as the UK health secretary, Matt Hancock, refused to rule out a national lockdown in the face of surging infections.
But with specific rules already in place in many parts of the country, understanding local lockdowns has become increasingly difficult. Here we break down what the new restrictions are and who they apply to.
The broad details of the new restrictions
Stricter measures will be in force from Tuesday 22 September in Merseyside, Warrington, Halton in Cheshire, Lancashire (excluding Blackpool), Wolverhampton, Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire, and Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale in West Yorkshire. The general rules apply to socialising with other households, while some regions will have curfews placed on hospitality venues and people are advised to avoid non-essential trips on public transport.
What are the new rules in Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire?
Residents will not be allowed to socialise with people outside their household or support bubbles in private homes or gardens.
Leisure and entertainment venues – including restaurants, pubs and cinemas – must close between 10pm and 5am. Restaurants, pubs and bars will be restricted to table service only.
Residents are advised to only use public transport for essential trips, such as travelling to work or school.
They are also advised to avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.
People who are shielding in parts of Blackburn that are already under local restrictions will no longer need to from 5 October.
Why is Blackpool exempt?
It is understood that the rules in Lancashire do not apply to Blackpool because it is a unitary authority with a different health authority to other parts of Lancashire. A government source told the Guardian the health authority had decided tougher restrictions did not need to be implemented as its infection rate is slightly lower than other parts of the county.
What are the new rules in the Midlands?
The rules apply to residents in Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire and in Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, who will be banned from socialising with people outside of their households or support bubble in private homes and gardens.
Individuals who are shielding in Leicester city will no longer need to from 5 October.
What are the new rules in West Yorkshire?
The rules in West Yorkshire apply to people in all parts of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale, where socialising outside of households or social bubbles will also be banned.
What are the current local lockdown restrictions in other areas of England?
North-east
From Friday 18 September, households in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham are banned from socialising with other people outside their household or support bubble.
There is also a 10pm-5am curfew on leisure and entertainment venues including pubs and restaurants, while food and drink outlets are restricted to table service only.
Birmingham
Since Tuesday 15 September, different households in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull have been banned from meeting each other in private homes and gardens unless they are part of a support bubble.
Greater Manchester
The rules in Greater Manchester apply to the city of Manchester, Trafford, Oldham, Bury, Bolton, Tameside, Rochdale and Salford.
Residents are banned from meeting other households (excluding support bubbles) in private homes or gardens, including outside of the affected areas.
The rule also applies to indoor public venues such as pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Residents should not visit family or friends in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances.
A maximum of 20 people can attend wedding celebrations and receptions in the form of a sit-down meal.
Bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos, exhibition centres and close contact services such as eyebrow threading are also prevented from reopening.
In Bolton, extra restrictions apply, including the closure of pubs and restaurants, with takeaway service available only. All venues are subject to a 10pm to 5am curfew, while care home and hospital visits are tightly restricted.
Leicester
Leicester was the first UK area to have a local lockdown imposed on 29 June, and some restrictions still apply. Residents must not meet people from different households, excluding support bubbles, in a private home or garden, including outside Leicester.
