Indian variant hotspots told ‘there are no local lockdowns’ as new guidance issued

The UK government has been forced to clarify that there are no further restrictions being imposed on hotspots currently experiencing high numbers of cases of the Indian Covid variant.

Eight areas in England are currently being monitored closely as cases of the foreign variant continue to rise - including Burnley, Bedford, Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton, Kirklees, Leicester, Hounslow and North Tyneside.

The Department of Health and Social Care said it would update guidance on its website after mixed communications led to confusion over whether the eight areas faced further restrictions than the rest of the country.

‘Not imposing local restrictions’

The department insisted lockdown measures were not being put in place and no advice was statutory.

A Government spokesperson said: “We will be updating the guidance for areas where the new Covid-19 variant is spreading to make it clearer we are not imposing local restrictions.

“Instead, we are providing advice on the additional precautions people can take to protect themselves and others in those areas where the new variant is prevalent.”

This includes urging people to meet outdoors rather than indoors, staying two metres apart from people not in the same household, and minimising travel in and out of the area.

The spokesperson said: “These are not new regulations but they are some of the ways everyone can help bring the variant under control in their local area.”

The move comes after a day of confusion over the measures, which appeared on the Government website on Friday, but without an official announcement.

Local leaders in the eight areas said they were unaware of any change.