New restrictions imposed on UK North East to ‘control rising coronavirus cases’ from a test not testing the the ‘virus’. The madness goes on

Lockdown restrictions are to be imposed on parts of the North East following “concerning rates of infection”, the Health Secretary has confirmed.

Matt Hancock told MPs in the Commons new measures are needed to tackle increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham.

From Friday, residents in these areas will be banned from socialising with other people outside their own households or support bubble, while food and drink venues will be restricted to table service only.

Leisure and entertainment venues must close between 10pm and 5am.

Mr Hancock said: “The battle against coronavirus is not over.

“And while we strain every sinew to spring free of its clutches, with winter on the horizon we must prepare, bolster our defences, and come together once again against this common foe.

Read more: New restrictions imposed on UK North East to ‘control rising coronavirus cases’ from a test not testing the the ‘virus’. The madness goes on