A Cabinet minister has suggested that a travel ban in more areas of England could be necessary if infection rates do not start to drop.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said restrictions on non-essential travel, such as those implemented in areas under the strictest lockdown measures, are a ‘sensible approach’ to make sure cases are controlled in Covid-19 hotspots.
The minister’s comments come as the three-tier system comes into effect today, with so far only the Liverpool City Region being plunged under the harshest restrictions, meaning they will be ordered to avoid travel where possible.
When asked how far the country is away from a travel ban, Coffey told Sky News’ Kay Burley this morning: ‘There are already parts of the country going into tier three today, where there is strong guidance to not travel out of the area apart from essential travel whether that’s going to school, hospital or work.
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‘That’s a sensible approach to take making sure that we try and localise a lot of these measures where the intensive restrictions are needed.’
Reports suggest the prime minister is also said to be considering a two-week nationwide circuit breaker lockdown if the latest restrictions fail to bring down spiralling infection rates.
Boris Johnson is facing considerable mounting pressure to introduce the measures ahead of the October half-term break, with scientists predicting it could save around 7,800 lives before the end of the year.
Government sources told The Telegraph there is an ‘80% chance or more’ that the PM will implement the temporary curbs, which would see bars, restaurants and other businesses close before opening up again.
But the work and pensions secretary batted off suggestions of a lockdown and insisted the three-tier system needs to be given a proper chance first.
She said: ‘I do not believe that the prime minister wants to set off on a national lockdown, but as ever he is advised by scientists – he takes that decision.’
‘We have the three tiers and we need to make sure we give that the chance to work,’ she added.
If Downing Street decide to go ahead with the circuit-breaker plan, reports suggest it would be unveiled by the end of next week ahead of the October half-term holiday.
Asked if England could be facing a lockdown in two weeks, Coffey replied: ‘I don’t believe that is the case but as I say this will continue to be a decision that the prime minister will lead on.’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer last night accused the prime minister of ‘no longer following scientific advice’, as he called for a two to three-week temporary lockdown.
From midnight, all bars and pubs were forced to close in the Liverpool City Region – so far the only area in tier 3 – while residents have been banned from mixing with other households.
Party-goers were seen out in Liverpool’s city centre on Tuesday enjoying their last hurrah for at least a month, with many cheering and chanting with an apparent lack of social distancing.
Discussions are reportedly being held today to decide whether Greater Manchester and Lancashire should join Liverpool in the top tier of restrictions.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/14/travel-bans-could-be-implemented-across-england-minister-suggests-13418435/