The Government has announced that casinos, bowling alleys, conference centres and indoor play areas can open in Leicester from Tuesday (15 Sep), but restrictions preventing people from having visitors from other households in their gardens or their homes will continue.
Beauty salons, tattoo studios, and barbers in the city will also be able to offer all close-contact services and treatments. And socially distanced indoor performances will be able to resume.
Leicester’s City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “I would have expected Leicester to be in line with the rest of country now and for restrictions on households to be lifted. This would certainly make it easier for people to follow the rules.”
Professor Ivan Browne, Leicester’s Director of Public Health said: “Restrictions on Leicester households are to stay in place for now, and nationally the government has also banned gatherings of more than six people from Monday.
“I would ask people to observe these rules and to make decisions about where they go and what they do based on prioritising their families and loved ones.
“Cases are rising nationally and we must all continue to observe social distancing, wash or sanitise our hands frequently, and get tested if we have symptoms.
“Anyone with symptoms must self-isolate until they’ve had a test. As there is currently a huge demand for tests you may experience a delay in booking one, so it’s important to self-isolate until this is possible.”
The Government is due to review the Leicester restrictions by 24 September.
People in Leicester who are shielding have already been advised to continue to do so until this date.
In addition to new national rules banning people from gathering in groups greater than six, current restrictions in place in Leicester mean you also should not:
- host people you do not live with in your home or garden, unless they’re in your support bubble
- meet people you do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside or outside of Leicester, unless they’re in your support bubble
- socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. You may attend these venues with people you live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with individuals or groups from other households.
To book a test 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
- Wear a face covering
- Don’t meet up with other people in their homes or gardens
- Only visit pubs, cafes and restaurants with members of your household or your social bubble
- Meet up to five other people outdoors, while maintaining social distancing
- Book a test and self-isolate as soon as symptoms appear at www.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