Almost two million people in the north-east of England are living under tougher restrictions on socialising after a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases. It’s the biggest regional lockdown yet. In total more than 9 million people in the UK are now under stricter lockdown regulations. The latest measures, in north-east England, affect seven areas – Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham. People there are banned from socialising with people outside their household or support bubble. There will be table service only in restaurants which, along with pubs and bars, must close by 10pm. Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, said the government was acting after seeing rates of infection in the region that caused concern. A lockdown affecting almost a quarter of a million people in South Wales has also come into force. People in Rhondda Cynon Taff aren’t allowed to leave the area without good reason for at least a fortnight, and they’re banned from seeing anyone indoors who’s not from their own household. Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Ed Thomas in Newcastle and Hywel Griffith in South Wales.
Almost 2 million people in north-east England face new coronavirus restrictions – BBC News
