Coronavirus: Restrictions expected in north-east England

Almost two million people in north-east England are expected to face local restrictions as coronavirus cases rise.

Sep 17, 2020 - 03:23

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Coronavirus: Restrictions expected in north-east England

Almost two million people in north-east England are expected to face local restrictions as coronavirus cases rise.

Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham council areas are in discussions to get the measures.

These may include pubs closing earlier and restrictions on households mixing.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Sun: "The only way to make sure the country is able to enjoy Christmas is to be tough now."

He previously said the government was doing "everything in our power" to avoid another nationwide lockdown.

The PM also told the newspaper the government is promising £546m as part of a plan to help protect care homes from coronavirus this winter.

A full announcement detailing the new measures for the North East is expected later on Thursday.

"The number of cases has been rising rapidly in many parts of the country, but in particular in the North East, and so a decision has been made to impose further restrictions there," Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told ITV's Peston programme on Wednesday.

"And a full announcement will be made tomorrow and so people living in that part of the country should watch out for that. And the measures will come into play at midnight on Thursday evening."

MPs from the area met with Health Minister Nadine Dorries on Wednesday evening.

BBC Newsnight political editor Nicholas Watt said a Labour MP told him measures would include pubs closing at 22:00 BST, no mixing with other households and public transport only for essential travel.

BBC

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