Leicester lockdown map revealed as shops & pubs shut and locals told only essential journeys allowed in or out
LEICESTER'S lockdown has finally been mapped, with boundaries setting out where pubs and shops will stay shut in the weeks ahead.
The new 'local lockdown' will apply across the city and surrounding suburbs, with only essential journeys allowed to and from the area.
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The city was today put into the UK's first local lockdown after a worrying spike saw Public Health England identify 2,987 cases — with 866 in just two weeks.
The shocking numbers mean that Leicester accounts for 10 per cent of all coronavirus cases in the UK.
LOCKDOWN MAPPED
New lockdown rules will apply to the whole of the city, as well as neighbouring suburbs, according to a map released by Leicester Council this morning.
The map marks the affected lockdown area with a red line, while Leicester itself is shaded in grey.
It also includes Braunstone Town, Glenfield, Glen Parva, part of LFE, Thorpe Astley, Birstall, Thurmaston and all of Oadby and Wigston.
Where will restrictions apply in Leicester?
Leicester Council has revealed the boundaries for the city's lockdown. These areas are included...
In Blaby District:
• Braunstone Town (including Fosse Park)
• Glenfield
• Glen Parva
• Leicester Forest East (East of the M1)
• Thorpe Astley
In Charnwood:
• Birstall
• Thurmaston
All areas of Oadby and Wigston
The new boundaries follow hours of confusion from Leicester residents, with the city's mayor voicing his concern this morning.
Speaking to Sky News this morning, Sir Peter Soulsby said: "As yet, the government has not announced what it accepts to be the boundary of this lockdown."
"So actually policing it is going to be a challenge until we know actually what the area is to be policed."
SHOPS SHUT
Today's news will see more than 300,000 Brits cut off from the rest of the country, with the city's pubs, restaurants and hairdressers remaining closed for two more weeks — until July 18 — at least.
Non-essential shops in the city will have to shut again from today and schools will close for most pupils from Thursday - taking it back to the more severe restrictions of May.
Many people in Leicester have blamed covidiots for their "punishment" - saying they are "paying the price" for weeks of people breaking social distancing rules.
Accountant Vina Chaudhry, 34, told the Sun Online: "I’m embarrassed to be born and to live in Leicester and I hope the Government makes an example of our city.
"How can some people be so stupid and breach social distancing rules that are put in place to help keep us safe.
"The city has been packed and we are now being punished for those idiots not abiding by the rules."
'TARGETED ACTION'
It comes as Matt Hancock revealed new laws were coming into force after "targeted action" had not worked - and threatened "further action" if other areas suffer similar spikes in coronavirus cases.
Mr Hancock said that while non-essential travel was not being made illegal, it would if it had to.
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He said: “We are recommending against all but essential travel to and from and within Leicester.
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“We will take further action including putting in place laws if that’s necessary but I very much hope it won’t be.
“If further action is needed then of course we are willing to take it.”