Minister Says ‘We Can’t Rule Anything Out’ On Potential For Restrictions In Virus Hotspots

A cabinet minister says the government “can’t rule anything out” when it comes to the possibility of local coronavirus restrictions in areas that have seen cases rise sharply.

The Harborough District is one of over 20 local authority areas in England that have Covid-19 case rates twice the national average.

Public Health bosses say the rise here is because of a Coronavirus outbreak at an unnamed school in the District, believed to be linked to the virus being spread at a 16th birthday party, which took place in breach of Covid rules.

The majority of the new cases have been in young people.

The weekly infection rate in the Harborough District has risen from 17.1 cases per 100,000 people to 48 cases per 100,000 people – the 13^th highest out of 315 areas of the country.

Environment Secretary George Eustice has been asked about the possibility of local restrictions by Sky News:

Harborough District Council leader Phil King told Hfm he was not aware of the comments regarding local restrictions, but said it is vital people stick to the rules:

Pic: Sky News