NEW restrictions have been reintroduced for around five million living across areas of northern England and Scotland after a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases.

From August 15, the new rules ban different households in Aberdeen, Greater Manchester, Preston, parts of east Lancashire and West Yorkshire from meeting each other inside their homes or even in gardens.

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In the past week, there have been 69 cases per 100,000 in Blackburn with Darwen, which has now surpassed Leicester, where the infection rate has fallen to 50 cases per 100,000.

The government announced the original measures for much of the North West at 9.16pm on Thursday, July 30, less than three hours before they took effect at midnight, adding Preston to the list on August 7.

Oldham has also seen a recent spike of cases, making it the worst in England, and will likely go into lockdown soon.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said "households gathering and not abiding by the social-distancing rules" was a reason for the stricter rules and that the move was in order to "keep the country safe".

He said: "We take this action with a heavy heart but unfortunately it's necessary because we've seen that households meeting up and a lack of social distancing is one of the causes of this rising rate of coronavirus and we'll do whatever is necessary to keep the country safe."

The local lockdowns have been implemented as the Government reimposes quarantine measures for those arriving in the UK from Spain, France, The Netherlands and Malta.

After the August 6 review Belgium, Andorra and the Bahamas were also taken off the travel corridor list.

For those seeking more detail on the local lockdown rules, the government has published a longer guidance page early July 31.

All the measures will be reviewed each week.

Where are the affected areas?

Greater Manchester – City of Manchester; Trafford; Stockport; Oldham; Bury; Wigan; Bolton; Tameside; Rochdale; Salford.

Lancashire – Blackburn with Darwen; Burnley; Hyndburn; Pendle; Rossendale; Preston.

West Yorkshire – Bradford; Calderdale; Kirklees.

Scotland – Aberdeen

What are the new rules?

It will be illegal for people who do not live together to meet in a private home or garden.

You can no longer socialise with people you do not live with in indoor public venues, such as pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals can still go ahead with up to 30 attendees, but there can be no after-party or wake. People can travel in and out of lockdown zones to attend weddings and funerals.

In Aberdeen, all pubs, bars and restaurants have been closed, while a five-mile advisory limit on travel is also being reintroduced as well.

Restrictions in Aberdeen will continue until at least August 19, Nicola Sturgeon said.

Which places are likely to be put into local lockdown next?

The government is watching several areas across the country very closely to see if their R number hits a dangerous level.

The latest watch list report was updated August 7.

Areas of concern include Sandwell, Wakefield, Oadby and Wigston, Eden, Swindon, Northampton, Peterborough, Luton and Bedford.

Can I still meet people outside?

You can continue to meet in public outdoor spaces (such as a park) in groups of no more than six people, unless the group includes only people from two households.

The Health Secretary confirmed this morning said two households can still meet "at a social distance in a public place outdoors".

Can I still meet with my friends and family for religious celebrations?

You may attend a place or worship but you must socially distance from people outside of your household.

This means maintaining a distance of two metres, or one metre with mitigations (such as wearing face coverings).

Can I still go to work?

Yes. People living inside and outside of this area can continue to travel in and out for work.

Can I still go to cafes, restaurants, the gym and other public places?

Yes. But you should only go with members of your own household.

Do I still have to shield if I live in this area?

The relaxations to shielding, due to commence on August 1, have been suspended for the areas within the new lockdown zones.

Can I still have my wedding or civil partnership?

Yes. But no more than 30 people can attend.

Can I visit a care home?

You should not visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Can I travel outside of the lockdown area to attend a wedding ceremony?

Yes. But you must observe social distancing measures.

Can I travel into the lockdown area to attend a wedding ceremony?

Yes. 

Can I still visit a place of worship in the lockdown area?

Yes. However you must socially distance from people outside of your household.

This means maintaining a distance of two metres, or one metre with mitigations (e.g. face coverings).

The government has recommended that (if possible) prayer and religious services take place outdoors.

Can funerals still take place in the lockdown areas?

Yes, but no more than 30 people can attend.

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