Melton Covid cases fall as new restrictions come in

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday (Wednesday) that social gatherings of more than six will be unlawful from Monday.

The new regulations, which are likely to be in place for a number of weeks, do not apply to workplaces, schools and organised sports.

But they will be enforced in households and social settings, such as pubs and restaurants with a £100 being handed out to those who flout the new Covid rules.

Areas of the town of Melton had some of the highest numbers of new cases in Leicestershire at the start of last month - with 32 reported across the borough in a two-week period - prompting a mobile test centre to be set up in a bid to address the increase.

But new figures released by Public Health England show the borough now has one of smallest number of cases in the county, with 10 reported in the week to September 3.

This compares with 32 in Blaby and 23 in Harborough, which have both experienced a recent spike.

Only the North-West Leicestershire district, with nine, has a lower number of cases than Melton borough.

The message from public health officials and police, however, is for residents to abide by the new regulations limiting gatherings to six people and not to be complacent.

Chief Constable Simon Cole said his officers will dish out fines, which to double on each further repeat up to £3,200, is offenders do not respond to a policing poicy of engage, explain and encourage.

Mr Cole said: “All across the force area we have seen people from all communities pulling together to combat this dreadful illness.

“We will continue to work with our local communities and our partners but we will enforce if people are not engaging with us and dispersing.

“Leicester City, the county and Rutland have done so well recently to bring the numbers of infection down but we must all do everything we can to make sure they do not rise again.”

Legal exemptions still apply to certain gatherings, for example where a household or support bubble is larger than six, where gatherings are for work or education purposes, or where parenting is being shared across multiple households.

Further exemptions will also apply, such as for weddings, funerals, and organised team sports in a Covid Secure way.

The government has also released a new public information campaign to highlight how everyone can help stop the spread of the virus by remembering to wash their hands, cover their face and make space.

With people expected to spend more time inside during the winter, the film – produced with the help of scientific experts – encourages the public to follow simple steps to reduce the risk of infection.

Reacting to news that certain areas of Leicestershire had experienced a rise in Covid-19 cases. Mike Sandys, the county’s director of public health, said: “We’ve seen an increase recently and, although numbers are fairly small, we need people to play their part and drive down rates.

“It’s down to us now – and testing is how we will avoid the need for local restrictions. If you have symptoms, you must book a test. To protect yourself and others, keep two metres apart, wash your hands and always wear a face covering in confined spaces.”

The county council’s public health team is working closely with the local districts to get the message out.

County council leader Nick Rushton has also re-iterated the importance of being extra vigilant. He said: “If people can limit their contacts, they will be protecting themselves and their friends and families.”

If you have symptoms, book a test via the NHS website – www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test - or call 119.