Household mixing restrictions for Liverpool and north east

Fresh restrictions have been applied to the Liverpool city region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

People in these areas will be banned from mixing with other households socially "in all settings except outdoor public spaces like parks and outdoor hospitality" by law, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs this morning (Thursday 1 October).

The Health Secretary also said the Government was advising against all social mixing between households in the areas under the new measures.

Restrictions of this nature are already in place in large parts of Wales and northern England including Newcastle and Northumberland.

Hancock said evidence from the Government's scientific advisers had shown "the second peak is highly localised," with the virus spreading very fast in certain parts of the country. "Together we need to act," he said.

He said he wanted the rules to be imposed for "as short a time as possible".

These new rules will impact a total of 1174 public houses in the Liverpool city region including Warrington, 77 in Hartlepool and 76 in Middlesbrough according to real estate adviser Altus Group.

Pubs in Bolton, Greater Manchester will be allowed to reopen after almost a month closed, the minister suggested.

These measures come into force from 00.01 Saturday 3 October.