CORONAVIRUS restrictions preventing people from different households meeting in homes or gardens will stay in place in Leicester following the latest review by the Government.
The Government announced today (Friday 28 Aug) that it would not be easing any of the existing restriction in place in Leicester, and that the city would remain an area of intervention for at least two more weeks.
This means people must not meet others from different households in homes or private gardens unless they have already formed a social bubble.
Gyms, swimming pools and soft play areas will also need to remain closed for the time being. Restrictions on certain beauty treatments will also continue.
Leicester’s Director of Public Health Professor Ivan Browne said: “Although in recent weeks we have seen a lift on many of the restrictions that have been placed on Leicester, the numbers of cases – although steadily going down – are still not where we’d like them to be.
“So, as we continue to defend ourselves and those that we love against this virus, it is vital that we continue to follow the rules. Let’s do this now, and let’s all do this together.
“Please ensure that you don’t go into other people’s households. If you do have any symptoms, you should get tested immediately. And if you are positive, you must isolate for 10 day and your family members should isolate for 14 days.
“We know that lots of people have made sacrifices and we need to continue to do this in order to get into the best position we possibly can as the winter approaches.”
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “While it is disappointing that the Government has decided not to ease any further restrictions in the city at this time – particularly around our recommendations that people should again be allowed to meet in gardens – I do accept the need for caution.
“With all schools now set to fully reopen, the last thing we want is to see numbers increase and stricter restrictions being put in place once again in parts, or all, of the city.
“We will continue to work hard through our neighbourhood testing and volunteer work at people’s doorsteps to help track down and contain the virus.”
People who are clinically vulnerable will need to continue shielding until at least 7 September. Under relaxations to the guidelines, anyone shielding can meet outdoors in a group of up to six people including others not from their household, while keeping socially distanced.
Anyone noticing the first signs of coronavirus – which could include a high temperature, a continuous cough or changes to their sense of taste or smell – must stay at home and arrange a test immediately.
Anyone who has been in contact with someone with symptoms should get themselves tested urgently too.
To book a test at a testing centre in Leicester, go to www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or call 119.
Anyone testing positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate at home for at least 10 days, or until their symptoms have gone. Anyone living in the same household as someone who tests positive must stay at home for 14 days to stop the virus from spreading.
Advice for everyone in Leicester remains as follows:
- Stay 2m apart from anyone outside of your household
- Wash your hands regularly
- Limit your contact with other people
- Wear a face covering on buses, in shops, in hospitals and in any confined space
- Don’t meet up with other people in their homes or gardens
- Book a test and self-isolate as soon as symptoms appear at nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
- No internet access? Call 119 to book your test
- If you test positive, continue to stay at home for at least 10 days and until you feel better
- Members of your household should stay at home for 14 days