Local lockdown-style restrictions set for Durham

It is thought that a local lockdown over the North East is set to start from Friday, which means Durham students will be expected to follow all new imposed restrictions.

The terms of the new lockdown are thought to include a ban on meeting people outside your own household, and a 10pm curfew for pubs, restaurants and other licensed premises.

The new measures are expected to help slow the recent spike in cases over the region, and Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, County Durham and Sunderland are all expected to be included in the lockdown.

The restrictions are purportedly designed to avoid a full local lockdown. It is understood that there will be restrictions on going on holiday with members of different houses; public transport will be reserved for only essential journeys; and spectators will be advised against attending sports fixtures.

The Government’s current ‘Rule of Six’ will remain, with all six members of the group needing to belong to the same household.

As of yet, it is unclear how the rules will be enforced. However, with cities such as Birmingham seeing £100 fines issued for larger gatherings, and a student in Nottingham being fined £10,000 for a Houseparty, it is possible similar measures will be taken in Durham to prevent gatherings of more than six.

The Department for Health and Social Care has not yet made an official statement, and nothing can be confirmed until an announcement has been made.