North and North East Lincolnshire to move to Covid ‘High’ alert

After close discussions with local leaders, the new level will come into force at one minute past midnight this Saturday October 31.

This means the following measures will be in place:

•people must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place;

•people must not meet in a group of more than 6 outside, including in a garden or other space; and

•people should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

These measures will be reviewed every 14 days to consider whether they are still appropriate.

In North East Lincolnshire, weekly case rates stand at 320 people per 100,000. This increases to 402 per 100,000 in those aged 17-21 and is 225 per 100,000 in the over 60s.

In North Lincolnshire, weekly case rates stand at 196 people per 100,000. This increases to 272 per 100,000 in those aged 17-21 and is 131 per 100,000 in the over 60s.

Other areas also moving to high alert are East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston-Upon-Hull, Dudley, Staffordshire, Telford and the Wrekin, Amber Valley, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, Derby City, South Derbyshire, the whole of High Peak, Charnwood, Luton and Oxford City.

The rate of COVID-19 infections is rising rapidly across the UK.

The weekly case rate in England stood at 201 people per 100,000 from October 15 to October 21, up from 100 people per 100,000 for the week September 25 to October 1.

Cases are not evenly spread, with infection rates rising more rapidly in some areas than others.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We continue to see a worrying rise in cases right across the country, and it is clear decisive action is needed.

“We have agreed with local leaders to move more areas into the High Local Covid Alert Level this week.

“These restrictions are challenging for us all, but it is only by working together and following the rules that we will bring down the rates of infection. A failure to act now will only lead to longer disruption and greater economic damage.

“I want to thank everyone who is playing their part to break the chains of transmission across the country. We will beat this virus, but we must stick together as we enter the winter months.”

It has been agreed that all other areas currently in High will remain at this level until the next review.

More information on what Local Covid Alert Level High means for your area can be found on GOV.UK.