Coronavirus: Northern lockdown to remain in place as cases fail to fall, government announces

While casinos, soft play areas and bowling alleys open in rest of England, 4 million people told they still cannot mix with other households

(Reuters)

The northern lockdown, which has prevented people from different households meeting in homes and gardens, is to remain in place following a government review.

The coronavirus restrictions – first announced two weeks ago – will stay in force across Greater Manchester, areas of east Lancashire and large chunks of West Yorkshire, as well as in Leicester.

The government announcement came as it was revealed the number of total Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in the infection-hit areas had not decreased in the last fortnight.

Casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, exhibition halls, conference centres and indoor play areas, which are all allowed to open in the rest of the country from Saturday, will have to stay shut in the affected patches.

The restrictions – which impact 4 million people – will be reviewed again next week, it was said.

Announcing the extension, Edward Argar, minister for health, said the action had been agreed between ministers, local councils and health officials in an ongoing attempt to bring infection rates in the region under control.

He said: “I’d like to thank everyone in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, east Lancashire and Leicester for their continued patience in following these vital rules put in place to tackle the spread of the disease – I know it hasn’t been easy.

“We will review the measures again next week as part of our ongoing surveillance and monitoring of the latest data.”

He added it was essential residents remain vigilant to the infection and sought out a test if they showed any symptoms.

Responding to the government announcement, a spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority said the area’s leaders supported the ongoing restrictions.

“The situation in Greater Manchester remains challenging,” they said. “It is clear that while the current restrictions appear to be having a positive effect in some places, we urgently need to bring the number of cases down in several boroughs.

“Everyone in Greater Manchester must do all they can to reduce the number of cases. That means individuals, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets all taking this seriously and following all the regulations.”

The full list of affected areas are all of Greater Manchester; Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees and West Yorkshire; and Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Preston and Rossendale in east Lancashire, as well as Leicester in the east Midlands.

People there will remain banned from mixing with other households – apart from those in support bubble – within private homes and gardens or other indoor locations. They will still able to meet in groups of two households in outdoor public places.

The new announcement comes days after residents in the area’s worst hit town – Oldham – were told the borough was “within days” of a total lockdown.

Health officials there made the warning after infection rates spiked to 107.5 cases per 100,000 – the worst in the country.