‘Major increase’ in Covid cases in north-west England, Yorkshire and parts of the Midlands

In Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester), from Tuesday 22 September:

Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens

Late night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 22:00 BST to 05:00.

Residents in these areas should only use public transport for “essential purposes” such as travelling to school or work and avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spactators.

In Wolverhampton and Oadby and Wigston, residents will be banned from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens from Tuesday.

All parts of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale will also be subject to this restriction from Tuesday.