Concerns raised over how Leicester lockdown will impact Melton borough

Health secretary Matt Hancock announced in parliament that non-essential shops must now close there and schools should also do so from Thursday after it emerged that one-tenth of all positive cases in the country over the last week were reported in the city.

Leicester residents are being told to stay at home as much as they can and not to travel in and out of the city unless it is essential to do so.

Concern has already been expressed on social media that people from the city will travel to places like Melton, which is under 20 miles away, to shop or visit family and friends, increasing the risk of local infections rising.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes will also be allowed to reopen from Saturday in Melton, but not in Leicester, which may also motivate city residents to come to the borough or other parts of Leicestershire.

There will also be people who work in etiher Melton or Leicester and who will be travelling between there and their homes.

We reported recently that the Melton borough was the safest area of the county in terms of avoiding contracting Covid-19 and civic leaders will be keen to make sure that continues.

Melton Borough Council has yet to release a statement on the issue but CEO, Edd de Coverly Tweeted last night, in response to a query over how people from Leicester could be stopped from travelling to Melton: “We will clarify further tomorrow but current understanding is there are no powers to prevent people from travelling, though clearly we will be strongly encouraging people not to travel from affected areas. More updares tomorrow but personal responsibility remains key!”

He also posted: “Melton is not subject to the increased restrictions within Leicester city and surrounding areas but we must stay vigilant.

“We’ll be reviewing preparations in Melton for easing of restrictions on Saturday and public health will remain our priority.”

Mr Hancock said the ‘Leicester lockdown’ measures would be in place for at least a fortnight and would be kept under review.

The number of positive Covid-19 cases was three times higher than the next highest city, he said.

Leicester City Council report 3,216 Covid-19 cases in the city since the start of the outbreaks with 944 of them reported in the last two weeks.

The numbers include patients and staff testing positive in hospitals and individuals identified at the local test centres.

Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, moved to reassure residents in her constituency that coronavirus levels remained low in their areas.

She urged people from the Leicester area affected by the restrictions to stay away from Melton, the Vale of Belvoir and Rutland while the strict measures are in place.

Mrs Kearns said in a statement: “I know many residents will be worried by the increased infection rates in Leicester and some surrounding areas.

“I am here to support residents, and will provide an update on Tuesday.

“We are enormously lucky that the vast majority of Rutland and Melton remains not within the area with increased rates of infection.

“It is vital that residents continue to practice social distancing and that those in areas with higher infection rates please stay home and minimise travel unless absolutely necessary.

“Rutland and Melton continues to have one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 in the country, it’s important we all do our bit to keep it that way.”

A map released today by Leicestershire County Council shows the area around Leicester where the tighter restrictions are now in place - it comes as far as Thurmaston on the east of the city nearest to Melton.

Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Protecting residents is our main concern and we’re working closely with Leicester City Council and the government to bring down the number of cases.

“Clearly coronavirus does not adhere to lines on a map.

“And although county rates are below the national and regional averages, we can’t be complacent and it makes sense to step up restrictions in areas closer to the city.

“This is the first localised lockdown on this scale and undoubtedly there will be issues to iron out.

“I understand this is disappointing news for residents, parents of schoolchildren and businesses when most of the country is opening back up but it’s crucial that people follow the latest advice.

“Observing social distancing, handwashing, wearing a face mask where required and getting tested if you have symptoms remain vital.

“Our actions play a key role in shaping what happens next and I encourage people to heed the advice and play their part in helping to save lives and livelihoods.”

The government is expected to publish a map today showing the exact area of the Leicester conurbation, including suburbs, which will be affected by the stricter lockdown measures for the next fortnight.