New restrictions and a curfew have been introduced in the North East of England amid the “concerning rise” in coronavirus cases.
Addressing the Commons today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The battle against coronavirus is not over.”
He said local lockdowns have been a “vital line of defence” against the virus and introduced new restrictions in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham.
The restrictions – which will impact 2 million people in the North East – include no mixing between households and a 10pm curfew for hospitality and entertainment venues.
Hancock added: “The data says we must act now.
The new measures in the North East come after seven councils called for restrictions in the region following the recent surge of coronavirus cases in the area in recent weeks.