MP warns Melton people not to relax their social distancing

Alicia Kearns has urged local people to stay vigilant to prevent Covid-19 spreading from the city area, where one-tenth of all positive cases in England were reported in the last week.

A map has been published showing the boundaries around the Leicester conurbation where non-essential shops and schools have been closed, residents urged to stay at home and pubs and restaurants banned from reopening with the rest of England on Saturday.

The furthest the ‘lockdown zone’ stretches east, in the direction of Melton, is the village of Thurmaston, which is 14 miles from the town.

Melton has the lowest infection rate in Leicestershire but there are fears that may be compromised with people travelling to the borough from the city area to work, shop or dine out.

MP Mrs Kearns said this afternoon (Tuesday): “These measures are specifically to help Leicester defeat the virus, but also to prevent higher rates of infection spreading to Melton and other areas.

“Over the last month Melton has not seen the high infection rates of Leicester hit our communities, and we are all working to make sure they do not.

“It’s important that everyone remains committed to social distancing locally as they have so diligently throughout all of this, and as I saw visiting Melton shops and stalls over the weekend.

“I have every confidence that our communities will continue to protect each other.”

The government’s decision to impose tough restrictions on Leicester, she said, was aimed at containing the coronavirus from spreading further, adding: “I recognise the worry that many Melton residents will be feeling about the Leicester lockdown.

“Over the last month in Leicester, COVID-19 infection rates have not been decreasing as they have across the rest of the country.

“Measures are now being put in place to get these infection rates down.”

Melton Borough Council said the restricted area around Leicester would be reviewed regularly with the possibility of minor amendments but that it was their understanding that no part of the borough was likely to be included inside it.

Leader, Councilor Joe Orson, said: “We understand that there are many questions and concerns right now, we are reviewing our preparations for this Saturday and working with partners to help keep people safe and we will keep people updated as and when we receive more details.”

The council urged residents to remain vigilant to prevent infections rising in the local area by following guidance to wash their hands and use hand sanitiser throughout the day, maintain social distancing, wear a face covering where required and self isolate if they have symptoms.

Residents can book a Covid-19 test if they have a new and continuous cough, a loss of taste or smell or a high temperature, online at nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

Go to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/how-you-can-help/increased-restrictions-for-leicester-and-parts-of-leicestershire-announced to check if your postcode is inside the Leicester lockdown zone.