30 October 2020

New rules for Carlisle district as area confirmed high-risk for COVID-19

Following a decision by Government, Carlisle and all its surrounding areas including communities such as Longtown and Brampton will be moved from medium to high risk on the local COVID-19 alert levels at midnight tonight - so new rules come into force from 31 October.

The change means that from midnight it will be illegal to meet indoors with people outside of your own household or bubble. Outdoors the ‘rule of six’ remains unchanged.

The announcement follows rising cases in Carlisle and this week’s Public Health update which showed Carlisle overtaking Barrow borough in having the greatest number of new cases in the county. Barrow and Carlisle’s rates are currently higher than the national average.

The latest infection rate data shows Carlisle with 231 cases per 100,000 (compared to an England average of 170), which has risen from 176 last week.

The new restrictions mean you must not:

socialise with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
socialise in a group of more than 6 outside, including in a garden or other spaces like parks (other than where specific exemptions apply in law).

Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law.

Schools, colleges, universities and places of worship remain open unless they say otherwise.

People should continue to:

wear face coverings if they can.
follow social distancing rules, 2 metres is best.
practice good hand hygiene.
work from home where you can effectively do so.
walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

Full details of the Government's local alert restrictions can be found atgov.uk/coronavirus.