Downing Street issues statement on shutting pubs as Sheffield’s Covid rate soars

A worrying rise in hospital admissions shows the need for tighter coronavirus restrictions in northern England, where pubs and restaurants could soon be forced to close, says the Government.
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Some people have questioned the use of local lockdowns across much of the region, with Sheffield potentially next in line for a ban on households mixing in homes and gardens as the city’s Covid-19 infection rate soars.

But the Government has pointed to the latest statistics showing how fast coronavirus hospital admissions are rising as proof they are needed.

Pubs and restaurants in the north of England - including Sheffield - could be forced to close due to rising coronavirus ratesPubs and restaurants in the north of England - including Sheffield - could be forced to close due to rising coronavirus rates
Pubs and restaurants in the north of England - including Sheffield - could be forced to close due to rising coronavirus rates
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In the North East and Yorkshire, daily admissions rose by 35 per cent in a week to 88 on October 4 – compared to a peak of 507 in April – and in the North West, they were up by 60 per cent over the same period, to 128.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The reason we have taken the steps that we have in the North West and the North East is because by seeking to limit the spread of the infection we are protecting the NHS and therefore protecting lives.

“That doesn’t just mean protecting the lives of people who become ill with coronavirus but also ensuring the NHS can continue to provide vital services to people who become unwell.”

Downing Street has hinted at fresh restrictions on pubs and restaurants in coronavirus hotspots, saying a “range of options” are being considered, with preliminary data showing there is “significant” exposure in hospitality settings.

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The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We are seeing coronavirus cases rise across the entire country but they are rising faster in the North East and the North West.

“We are keeping the data under close review and we are considering a range of options to reduce the spread of the virus in order to protect communities and to protect the NHS.”

Asked about infections in hospitality in England as Scotland prepares to introduce fresh restrictions, the spokesman said: “Early data does suggest that a significant proportion of exposure to the virus is seen in the hospitality sector and that is even more pronounced in younger age groups where we have been seeing the most rapid rise in infections.

“The data is new and we will continue to gather evidence and review it.”Downing Street hinted at fresh financial support for industries and areas affected by new measures to curb the resurgence of coronavirus.

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The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We’ve provided a package of support to businesses of all sizes so far that’s worth £190 billion, with particular schemes to support the hospitality industry.

“Any decisions we take will not be made lightly, protecting jobs, particularly the two million in the UK’s hospitality sector, has been a priority throughout our response to the pandemic.”

Asked whether there could be a new furlough scheme for industries shut down by new measures, he said: “If we do have to take further steps, of course we will take seriously how we can support those businesses who are affected.”

And, asked about reports of per-head funding for local authorities if they face harsher restrictions, he replied: “We have provided support so far to areas which have been placed into local lockdown. And we’ve been aware of the need to ensure they are given help.”