VIRUS SPREAD
Slough, Stoke and Coventry to enter Tier 2 lockdown after ‘rapid rise’ in Covid cases
SLOUGH, Stoke and Coventry will be plunged into a Tier 2 lockdown after a “rapid rise” in coronavirus cases.
Matt Hancock announced today that all three will move into tougher restrictions from midnight on Friday.
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The Health Secretary also told the House of Commons he is starting talks with Warrington about moving to Tier 3.
Nottinghamshire County Council's leader Kay Cutts later confirmed she had been invited to speak about potential Tier 3 restrictions in the region.
She said: "We will enter any discussions to achieve the best possible outcomes for the health and livelihoods of all residents of Nottinghamshire.”
Mr Hancock described the situation in Stoke, Coventry and Slough as "concerning".
He said: "We're seeing rising rates of infection in Stoke-on-Trent, in Coventry and in Slough.
"In all of these areas, there are over 100 positive cases per 100,000 people, cases are doubling around every fortnight and we're seeing a concerning increase of cases among the over-60s."
Coventry, Stoke and Slough now join London, Essex, Leeds, Bolton and many others on the list of Tier 2 lockdowns.
The clampdown means that locals cannot mix with loved ones from other households inside their homes or pubs and restaurants.
But they can mix outside in parks and private gardens as long as they follow the rule of six.
VIRUS SPREAD
Latest figures show that Slough had an increase of 53 infections yesterday, with a total of 1,522 cases overall.
The town has the highest number of Covid cases in Berkshire, with Reading second at 1,335 infections.
Tan Dhesi, Labour MP for Slough, said the “alarming” rise meant there was no other choice but to lock down.
He posted on Twitter: “Following my meeting with Health Minister Nadine Dorries, and with the agreement of Slough Borough Council and Public Health, given the alarming rapid rise in coronavirus cases, Slough will be going into Tier 2 from tomorrow.
“I appreciate these measures will be tough for many in the community.
“But please follow government guidance, so we can protect our NHS, and the lives and livelihoods of our loved ones.”
COVID SPIKE
Stoke has been put into Tier 2 following a spike in infections with 210.2 cases per 100,000 population for the seven days up to October 19.
This represents a jump of 24.5 from the previous day's figure.
City council leader Abi Brown wrote to Mr Hancock earlier this week to call for the lockdown in order to dodge stricter measures at a later date.
She said: “By acting now, we can hope to stem this increase, limiting the time that we are in these enhanced restrictions and – above all – avoiding further escalation into ‘very high’.
I’m not willing to put the lives of Stoke-on-Trent residents at risk by dithering for a week.
Abi Brown
“Taking this approach now will limit the damage to our local economy of a potential future move to the ‘very high’ category.
"I’m not willing to put the lives of Stoke-on-Trent residents at risk by dithering for a week when we can act now to save lives and minimise economic damage.”
In Coventry, the rate has risen to 174 cases per 100,000 people.
The town recorded 127 new Covid cases yesterday, a notable spike rom the 94 infections added to figures the day before.
In the last seven days, there has been 733 cases in the city. This represents a 26.1 per cent increase from October 8 to 14.
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Cllr George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, said the rise infections meant the lockdown was “disappointing” but “inevitable”.
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He told Coventry Live: “It is disappointing for all of us that we have moved up into Tier 2, but the reality is that a consistent increase in positive cases over the last few weeks made that inevitable.
“The move does bring additional restrictions and as a city we need to collectively set an objective to get back into Tier 1 as soon as we can.”
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