Households banned from mixing at home as cases rise

People in Birmingham will be banned from mixing with other households in their homes or gardens from Tuesday 15 September, after a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the city.

The rate of infection in Birmingham has risen to 75 cases per 100,000 people, compared with 30.1 per 100,000 in the week from 8 to 14 August.

The new rules

Under the restrictions, residents must not host people they do not live with in their home or garden, unless they are in their support bubble. They also must not meet people they do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside or outside the city, unless they are in their support bubble.

A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household. Households in a bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight and go to public places together.

After talks with the government, council leaders confirmed on Friday evening that the household restrictions will not apply to the hospitality sector, so people can still meet in bars, restaurants and cafes that are following Covid-secure rules. The situation will be reviewed next week.

"The virus has not gone away"

Council leader Ian Ward said he understood that the rules would be difficult for families.

"I know this is difficult, particularly when we have got used to seeing friends and family, but it is vital we stick to these rules and protect each other given the sudden rise in infection rate," he said. "The virus has not gone away, it has not weakened, in fact it is relentless and we must be relentless in our efforts to control the spread."

Why homes, not pubs

Cllr Ward said the data showed that the rise had been driven mainly by social gatherings in private homes.

"I understand that it may be frustrating that you can go to the pub but not see your family, but the data we have shows that the infection rate has risen mainly due to social interactions, particularly private household gatherings," he said.

"In shops and hospitality venues there are strict measures in place to ensure they are Covid-safe, whereas it is much easier to inadvertently pass on the virus in someone's house where people are more relaxed and less vigilant."

He urged people to be vigilant when they went out. "If a venue doesn't look safe and you are not asked for your contact details, take your business elsewhere."

Neighbouring areas too

The restrictions also cover neighbouring Solihull and Sandwell, and were agreed by the leaders of the three councils and the regional mayor.

They come as cases rise across the country after the summer, with schools having returned at the start of September. Nationally, a new "rule of six" limiting social gatherings comes into force on Monday.

People are being reminded to keep washing their hands, to wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and to get a test if they have symptoms, by calling 119 or booking online.

The council says it hopes the restrictions will be short-lived, but warned that tougher measures could follow if cases continue to rise.