New Covid-19 lockdown measures in Lancaster and Morecambe to start on Tuesday, the government has announced

Further restrictions for parts of the North West - including Lancaster and Morecambe, as well the Midlands and West Yorkshire - to curb rising infection rates have been announced by the Health and Social Care Secretary.

Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington and Halton have been escalated to areas of intervention, with new restrictions in Wolverhampton, Oadby & Wigston, and parts of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale.

Regulations and guidance will come into force from Tuesday, September 22.

This follows major increases in COVID-19 cases in large areas of the North West, Yorkshire and small parts of the Midlands which mean the following restrictions must be urgently brought in to clamp down on infections, the government said.

Lancaster City Council leader Coun Dr Erica Lewis said that while cases locally may still be lower than most, they are on the rise.

In Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester), Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire, regulations will enforce the following restrictions from Tuesday 22 September:

Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens;

Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only; and

Late night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 10pm to 5am.

Residents are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection:

Only to use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work

Avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

Residents are urged to only visit indoor locations such as pubs and restaurants with other members of their household or support bubble.

The above does not apply to Bolton or Greater Manchester where separate restrictions are already in place.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “We are seeing cases of coronavirus rise fast in Lancashire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Warrington, Halton and Wolverhampton. Local leaders in these areas have asked for stronger restrictions to be put in place to protect local people, and we are acting decisively to support them.

“I know these restrictions will make every-day life harder for many, but I know that residents will work together and respect the rules so we can reduce rates of transmission.

“I urge local people to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms, follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace, and always remember ‘hands, face, space’. By sticking to these steps, we will get through this together.”

Lancashire County Council's Director of Public Health Dr Sakthi Karunanithi: "The past six months have been really tough for everyone and so many people have made personal sacrifices for the good of their loved ones and the communities where they live and work.

"But we have seen really worrying signs of the infection rate increasing in Lancashire.

The daily cases have doubled from 75 cases on the 6th September to 144 on the 14th . Although still in small numbers, we are also seeing that hospital admissions rise two weeks after the cases increased.

If we don't act now we could be facing another lockdown. The situation really is that stark.

"We are particularly seeing a high rate of positive cases in the 15 to 44 age group, and our concern is that this will spill into the older and vulnerable groups. Please do not mix between households indoors and keep outdoor mixing as low as possible. Use public transport only for essential journeys like school, work and health appointment. Try to stay and shop locally.

"I would also say that we should be setting as good an example as possible for our children to encourage them to also be better at following the guidance now that pupils have returned to school."

Councillor Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: "While cases locally may still be lower than most, they are on the rise. The evidence from other areas is that it does not take long for them to spiral out of control and we can’t be lulled into a false sense of security, particularly in the absence of a robust test and trace system.

“By acting now, we are more likely to reduce the rate of infection, and cases should reduce faster.

"I know these are difficult times, particularly for businesses, and many people will be disappointed at these new restrictions, but the alternative would be to risk increasing case numbers and even stricter controls being imposed.

“Our best chance of beating the pandemic is to work together.

"I would urge everyone to follow these new restrictions at all times, along with the public health guidance to wash your hands, cover your face and make space.

"For its part, the council will do all it can to support businesses to operate in a COVID safe way and protect our most vulnerable residents, and continues to call on government to provide further support to affected businesses and residents.”