Harsher restrictions are coming into force in Leicester and some villages today following a surge in the number of coronavirus cases in the city and the surrounding areas of Thurmaston, Wanlip and Birstall. These new restrictions are likely to be in place for the next 4 weeks and longer if necessary, to regain control of the virus.

Rising numbers of cases in the city – 10% of all positive cases in the country over the past week – mean the planned easing of restrictions on Saturday will not take place, with people being advised against all but essential travel in and out of the area. There have been nearly 1000 new cases in the last 2 weeks. Daily hospital admissions have increased from 1 to 10.

New restrictions in Leicester, Thurmaston, Birstall & Wanlip

• Non-essential shops will be closed 
• No schools can reopen (or must now close) in those areas, except for children of key workers
• No meeting up of groups up to 6
• No pubs to reopen
• No social “bubbles” where 2 households can congregate

I strongly advise everyone in the Wolds villages to follow the guidance, which means not shopping in Asda, Sainsburys or Costco in Thurmaston as it is classified as ” non essential travel”. The Government is hoping to amend current legislation asap to give the Police the authority to enforce these restrictions with fines.

Please also bear in mind that if pubs reopen in our villages on Saturday, that they should be registering their customers with where they live, email address, mobile etc, so that the pub use is kept local and so that any new infections can be tracked and traced. This is in line with government guidance. Again, the government will have no hesitation in widening the restricted area, if new infections break out in the Wolds so please be sensible. It may be tempting to “invite” friends or family from the restricted area to our pubs and homes but this is totally against the guidance

STAY ALERT, PROTECT OURSELVES & PROTECT THE LOCAL NHS

Cllr Jenny Bokor
Borough Councillor for the Wolds