Restrictions come into force in Oadby and Wigston

Government measures prevent residents socialising with people they don't live with in private homes and gardens from today.

The new restrictions were introduced by the Government last week to try to bring down surging rates of coronavirus across the borough of Oadby and Wigston.

The measures prevent residents socialising with people they don’t live with in private homes and gardens.

The move comes after rates in the borough shot up to 145 per 100,000 people – over three times the national and Leicestershire averages – and placing it second in the country.

Last week the Government has also added the district of Blaby to its watchlist as an ‘area of enhanced support’ after cases rose to 65 per 100,000 people.

Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health, said: “This steep rise is off the scale – and underlines that residents need to change their behaviour.

“We know that the virus is spreading in communities so it makes sense for the Government to restrict mixing between households. This will be tough. But with no one source of infection, it really is down to us to stop the increase.

"Whether you’re on the school run, travelling to work, in the office or going out for a drink, follow the guidance. The route out of this is changing our behaviour.”