The following statement was released by the Department for Health and Social Care shortly before lunchtime today, setting out the new restrictions.
Following further discussions with local leaders, the Health and Social Care Secretary, NHS Test and Trace, the Joint Biosecurity Centre and the Chief Medical Officer for England have agreed to escalate parts of the North East, Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham to areas of national intervention.
From Friday September 18th, regulations will ban the following:
- Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes or gardens
- Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only
- Late night restriction of operating hours will be introduced, with leisure and entertainment venues required to close between 10pm and 5am.
Residents are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection:
- Not to socialise with other people outside of their own households in all public venues
- Only to use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work
- Take holidays only within your own household or support bubble
- Avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.
Changes come as cases in the North East have risen to the second highest in the country, after the North West. This decision has been made in close consultation with local leaders.
The full press release is here.
