The whole of Nottinghamshire, comprising the eight districts of Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, Nottingham and Rushcliffe will move from local Covid alert level ‘high’ to ‘very high’ from 00.01 tomorrow (Friday 30 October).
This impacts 784 pubs in the region, according to real estate adviser Altus Group, meaning they must close, unless they serve a “substantial meal”, people must not socialise with anyone outside their support bubble or household indoors or outdoors.
The ‘rule of six’ must be adhered to in an outdoor space and people should avoid travelling outside the area other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities, or to travel as part of a longer journey.
Lockdown rules
Following discussions with local leaders, it was also agreed all hospitality venues can remain open to serve substantial meals or must move to operate a delivery and takeaway service only.
Alcohol sales must be prohibited after 9pm, where it is bought to consume off premises however, alcohol can still be purchased in hospitality venues, where accompanying a “substantial meal”, up until 10pm. Hotels and other accommodation can also remain open.
Nottinghamshire will join the Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Yorkshire in the ‘very high’ tier.
Government data stated in Nottinghamshire, infection rates are among the highest in the country and continue to rise rapidly.
Case figures
The weekly case rate stands at 364 people per 100,000 in Nottinghamshire County, and is 239 per 100,000 in those over 60 rising to 772 per 100,000 in those aged 17 to 21 years old.
In Nottingham City the current weekly case rate per 100,000 rises to 493 per 100,000, with 918 per 100,000 aged between 17 to 21.
As of 20 October, there were 194 confirmed Covid-19 cases at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, with 11 mechanical ventilation beds occupied by confirmed Covid-19 patients.
This comes after Warrington was moved from Covid alert level ‘high’ to ‘very high’ with restrictions in place from today (Tuesday 27 October), meaning pubs in the area have to close, unless they can serve meals with alcohol.
It followed discussions between the Government and local leaders, which resulted in a financial support package of £1.68m for the area. A provision of £4.2m was also agreed to support businesses.