New Coronavirus restrictions for Birmingham

The city has been placed in the ‘alert level 2’ due to infection rates above 100 per 100,000 people. This means households will not be able to meet indoors (except with support bubbles) including indoor hospitality, leisure and retail. This is in addition to the national ‘rule of six’ and the local ban on meeting other households in private homes – though the rule of six will now apply to private gardens.

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “I know this isn’t the news that people want to hear but the fact is that our infection rate is still too high – we are currently at around 140 per 100,000.

“Being in this tier is disappointing, because our hospitality sector has spent a lot of time and money to put safety measures in place and the data in Birmingham just doesn’t support the need for further restrictions.

“The negative impact of the new restrictions on the sector and the lives of the people who work in it can’t be overstated. The sector supports more than 135,000 jobs across the West Midlands and it’s essential that further financial support is made available to those businesses affected. I am now seeking assurances that funding will be provided.

“In order to get these restrictions lifted we need to drive that rate down and that will only happen if everyone does their bit.

“This represents a huge challenge for us all in Birmingham and it is now more important than ever that we follow the guidance to get the COVID rate back down across the city. We all have a role to play if we’re going to protect our families, friends and neighbours and ensure that the NHS is not overwhelmed.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners and will work with every community and every neighbourhood to communicate vital public health messages to help keep people safe. I know that councillors, MPs and peers across the city have worked incredibly hard to support the people of Birmingham since March and I want to thank them for their continued efforts.”

The restrictions, which come into effect from midnight Tuesday 13 October (one minute past midnight Wednesday 14) mean that:

• Households will not be able to meet indoors (except with support bubbles) including indoor hospitality, leisure and retail. This is in addition to the national ‘rule of six’ and the local ban on meeting other households in private homes.
• The rule of six will now apply to private gardens.
• Weddings are permitted to have no more than 15 attendees with the same for receptions.
• Funerals can only have 30 attendees, with a maximum of 15 at wakes and commemorations.
• You can only play team sports where they are officially organised by a club or organisation.
• People are advised to minimise the number of journeys they make.
• While you can still go on holiday, it can only be with people you live with, or your support bubble.