LEICESTER'S pubs & hotels are set to stay shut for another two weeks as the city prepares to extend its lockdown.
The Mayor of Leicester said the city could "remain restricted for two weeks longer than the rest of the country" as a fresh spike in coronavirus cases blast the area.
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It comes as thirsty Brits prepare for their first pint out in months this weekend - with pubs, restaurants and hotels set to reopen from July 4.
But any glimmer of hope for locals in Leicester was quashed this morning, as Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, said restrictions will stay put for another fortnight.
Speaking on the Today programme, Sir Peter said he had received an email from the government overnight and "it seems they're suggesting we continue the present level of restriction for a further two weeks beyond 4 July".
"We are concerned about Leicester, we are concerned about any local outbreak.
Boris Johnson
It means those cooped-up in the city will have to wait at least two more weeks for a pint with pals in the pub - although as it stands, the area will not return to a full lockdown.
'WHAK A MOLE'
Speaking of the surge in new cases on a visit to a construction site in west London this morning, the Prime Minister said: "We are concerned about Leicester, we are concerned about any local outbreak.
"I want to stress to people that we are not out of the woods yet. We are making these cautious, calibrated steps, we are opening as much of hospitality as we can on July 4, opening as much of the economy as we can - some things, alas, still remain closed until they can become Covid-secure."
He added that the local "whack-a-mole" strategy had worked in Weston-super-Mare and where there had been outbreaks around GP surgeries in London.
"That's the same approach that we will bring to bear in Leicester as well."
The PM's comments come after the Government was warned this week that imposing local lockdowns could lead to "significant disorder".
But some MPs, including Labour MP for Leicester East, Claudia Webbe, believe they may be necessary.
'VERY CONCERNED'
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Ms Webbe said this morning: "I’m very concerned, and I really do believe that where the data allows we need to ensure that we engage in processes to protect lives, and I think we need to go into therefore more localised lockdown to protect lives and ensure that we can address this virus.
“The Government hasn’t reassured us. Thus far, the messages and the communication from the Government have been unclear, and it has been difficult, and I really don’t understand what communities are meant to follow.”
Yesterday, virus testers swooped on the city in a desperate bid to trace the spreaders.
And The Department of Health urged people in Leicester to get tested immediately if they have symptoms.
Speaking of the situation in Leicester yesterday, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said yesterday: "We have deployed four mobile testing sites and made thousands of home testing kits available, to ensure anyone in the area who needs a test can get one.
“NHS Test and Trace will contact anyone testing positive to help them identify their recent contacts, and advise who may have been near to someone with the virus to stay at home to prevent the spread."
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The number of test andn trace vehicles involved will rocket from 96 to 236.
Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed the area could face a local lockdown yesterday.
When asked about the potential plans by Andrew Marr on the BBC, she said: "That is correct.
"We have seen flare-ups across the country already, just in the last three or four weeks in particular.
“There will be support going into Leicester.
“The Health Secretary (Matt Hancock) was in touch with many of us over the weekend explaining some of the measures, the support on testing, resources that are going into the local authority as well.
"Because with local flare-ups it is right we have a localised solution in terms of infection control, social distancing, testing and many of the tools actually within the Public Health England space that will come together to control the virus and to stop the spread so we can get on top of the infection.”
BIG INFLUX OF PATIENTS IN CITY'S HOSPITAL
The outbreak has seen dozens of fresh cases have been admitted to the area’s hospitals.
Others were reported at a sandwich factory and a Sainsbury’s supermarket — and five schools have closed.
Officials are also worried about the city’s food production sites and multi-generational households.
It came as the death toll for Britain in the last 24 hours was 100 — the lowest Saturday figure of the lockdown.
The Midlands is on red alert as worried officials believe the Leicester cases could have a big impact on people travelling to Birmingham. There had been 658 cases in the area in the two weeks up to June 16.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned he will “take action” if there is a spike in the number of cases.
Schools, businesses and work places could be closed if there is a high rate of infection in certain areas.
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A lockdown decision will be made by Public Health England, the bio-security centre and local public health directors.
Analysis is taking place ahead of pubs and restaurants opening this Saturday.
The UK’s overall Covid-19 death toll is now 43,514, the highest in Europe.
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2020-06-29 10:29:12Z
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