A ban on households meeting indoors has been announced as part of further restrictions for the north of England after a spike in coronavirus cases.
It will be illegal to meet in settings, such as pubs and restaurants, in the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs he wanted the rules to stay in place for “as short a time as possible”.
He also “recommended against all social mixing between households”.
People should also:
- Not attend amateur sports events as spectators
- Only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances
- Adhere to guidance against all but essential travel
Mr Hancock told the House of Commons: “Earlier this week we brought in further measures in the north-east, however in parts of Teesside and the north-west of England cases continue to rise fast.”
Rule changes ‘necessary’
He said “together we need to act” as the number of cases in Liverpool is 268 per 100,000 population.
“Working with council leaders and the mayors, I’m today extending these measures that have been in the north-east since the start of this week to the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.”
Mr Hancock said £7m funding would be provided to support areas affected.
“I know individual rules are challenging but they are necessary and there are early signs they are working,” Mr Hancock added.