- The city of Leicester has been shut down amid a rise in COVID-19 cases
- 10 per cent of all new cases in England, in the past week, came from within Leicester
- The lockdown will see schools in the area shut, as well as non-essential shops
- Meanwhile, residents in the area are also asked to avoid non-essential travel
- The lockdown comes as the rest of England begins to ease COVID-19 restrictions
- But, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the spread of the coronavirus had been a ‘disaster,’ and announced an economic stimulus package
Leicester has become the first city in the U.K. to be put under further lockdown restrictions amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in the region.
The local lockdown was announced yesterday and came into play in Leicester and surrounding areas today.
Schools have been closed, while all non-essential shops have been shut. Non-essential travel is also prohibited in and out of Leicester.
It comes after 10 per cent of all COVID-19 cases recorded in the U.K., in the last week, came from within the region.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also said the number of positive coronavirus cases in Leicester were “three times higher than the next highest city.”
Meanwhile, the loosening of restrictions in pubs and restaurants in England on Saturday will not take place in Leicester, with the additional lockdown expected to stay in place for two weeks.
From July 5, restaurants, bars, hotels, hairdressers, cinemas, churches and museums will be allowed to open in England. Gyms, pools and spas will remain shut.
The loosening of restrictions was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week.
Mr Johnson also recently said the spread of the coronavirus in the U.K. was a “disaster.”
His comments came as the leader announced a £5 billion capital investment fund, which aims to stimulate the economy and generate new jobs.
Across the U.K., more than 43,000 have died after contracting the coronavirus.