Melton borough moves up to toughest Tier 4 Covid restrictions

The changed status, which begins tomorrow at a minute past midnight and is aimed at limiting further spread of coronavirus, means residents must stay home unless they have to go out to work or attend school or college.

The local economy will be likely to suffer as a result of being in Tier 4 since all non-essential shops must now close, including hairdressers and nail bars.

Waterfield Leisure Centre and Melton Sports Village must also close again after only recently being reopened again.

Melton residents cannot meet other people indoors, unless they live with them or they are part of their support bubble

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are also now only allowed in exceptional circumstances while the borough is in Tier 4.

The whole of Leicestershire is now in Tier 4 from tomorrow - latest infection rate from yesterday for the county is 241.4 per 100,000 population compared to a national figure of 402.6.

Melton’s rate is 234.3, with only Oadby and Wigston (375.3) and Harborough (259.3) currently higher.

Hinckley & Bosworth is at 233.3, Blaby (232.5), North West Leicestershire (220.1) and Charnwood (215.2).

Mike Sandys, director of public health for Leicestershire County Council, said: “We’ve got rapidly-rising infection rates across most of the county, so it’s been evident for a few days now that there would be a raising of the tier level.

“Hospitals are also massively under pressure across the city and county and that’s coupled with these rising rates.

“The fact that neighbouring Northamptonshire has gone through the tiers from 2 to 4 in rapid succession also illustrates how fast the rates are rising.

“What we’re potentially seeing is the spread of a much more infectious type of COVID-19, which is spreading dangerously in the south east. We’ve got to get ahead of it here before it’s too late.”

County council leader, Nick Rushton, commented: “I’d agree with the government approach as we have to drive down infection rates as we head into the New Year and it’s crucial that we take all the necessary steps to protect the public’s health – particularly those who are elderly or clinically extremely vulnerable.

“Following those guidelines of ‘hands, face and space’ has never been more important.

“We need everyone to be as rigorous as possible in heeding the advice.

“We’ve got to follow this every minute of the day.”