Coronavirus latest: Luton to move into 'High Alert' Tier-2 restrictions after surge in cases

In a statement, Luton Borough Council said it had accepted its move into the "high alert" level by the government.

Infections are continuing to rise across the town, with a "hugely worrying increase" in cases among the over 60s - who are much more vulnerable to the disease.

Admissions to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital are also rising.

The new restrictions will come into effect at 12.01am on Saturday, October 31.

They include:

> In any indoor setting, whether at home or a public place, people MUST NOT meet with anyone they don’t live with (unless they are part of a support bubble or essential carers);

> If outdoors, whether in a garden or public outdoor space, people MUST NOT meet with people they don’t live with in groups of more than 6;

> These rules are all enforceable by law and must be followed at all times;

> People should also limit the number of journeys they make away from home;

> If people need to travel they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes on public transport;

> People can continue to go to places of worship and facilities such as leisure centres and libraries are still open, where they are Covid-secure.

A joint announcement was issued today from leader of Luton Borough Council, Cllr Hazel Simmons, and Lucy Hubber, the council's interim director of public health.

They stated: "While Luton’s infection rates are still lower than some areas of the country, the current trajectory makes it clear that action is needed now in order to contain the spread of the virus. Reluctantly, due to the evidence, we have accepted the position of moving up to tier 2.

"We do not want to report week on week more deaths in the community before we take action and one of our conditions to the government is that we want regular reviews which will enable us to come out of high-alert if we bring our infections down.

"We are confident our communities will pull together like they always do and give us a great chance of moving back to medium-alert so we don’t get stuck with these restrictions which will impact on our businesses and communities.

"We can only do this with the continued support of our communities – and now more than ever we are asking for your help to act together and follow the guidelines.

"Please take the time to read the restrictions that will be in place in Luton from 12.01am Saturday 31 October.

"The ability to move out of High-risk is down to us all working together to limit our contact with others.

"Therefore in addition to these rules, we are still urging residents to try and limit meeting people they don’t live with in any setting.

"We know how difficult this is for all of us, but we must act now as this really is the best way to slow the spread of the virus.

"It is vital we continue to follow Hands – Face – Space. And if you or anyone in your household has coronavirus symptoms, however mild, book a test immediately at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119. Don’t leave home at all, and that includes children, unless it is to go for a test.

"We know that when we work together we can get the number of cases down, so we are asking you to work with us, as you have on countless occasions in the past. It really is down to each and every one of us to protect Luton, protect our families and save lives."

The council has agreed the following proposals with the government.

> There will be a review every 14 days on whether Luton can move back down to Medium Tier-1 level if case numbers stop increasing;

> £3 per head of population government funding will be provided to support with the public health response. This includes more local testing capacity, local track and trace, enforcement activity and Tier- business support as announced by the chancellor.

More details on the increased testing, additional support for businesses and how this can be accessed, will be announced in the coming days.