Preston becomes latest UK city placed under local lockdown after surge in coronavirus cases

Katy Clifton7 August 2020

Restrictions banning households from mixing indoors or in gardens are to be brought in for Preston from midnight tonight, the Department of Health has said.

The new restrictions for Preston follow it being designated an “area of intervention” by the Government following a spike in cases.

Preston’s new restrictions mean that from midnight tonight, residents cannot have others in their homes and gardens; cannot visit other people’s homes or gardens, even if they are in an unaffected area; and are not permitted to mix with other household in indoor venues.

Social bubbles are exempt from the restrictions, and residents can meet in groups of up to six – or more than six if exclusively from two households – in outdoor areas such as parks and beer gardens.

Households can also visit indoor hospitality venues, so long as they do not mix with others.

The Lancashire Resilience Forum said: “Since the rise of cases was first announced last week, residents, communities and businesses have been asked to take extra precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.

"These extra precautions are now mandatory and residents are still actively encouraged to get tested at the regional testing site based at Preston’s College if they are experiencing any symptoms of coronavirus.”

Preston City Council chief executive Adrian Phillips said: “The number of cases in Preston have increased rapidly in recent days leading to Government categorising the city as an area of intervention.

"It is also alarming to see that the under-30s are contracting it at a significant rate.

“It is clear that coronavirus is still here and we all need to work together to keep ourselves, our friends, families and communities safe from this virus.

“While some wards have recorded a higher level of cases, this remains a city-wide issue and it’s essential that we all do our part to fight the virus.

“We’re urging everyone to be diligent and follow the restrictions, in order to protect all of our residents, communities and businesses.”

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